Queenslanders to save on fuel, permanently

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Media Release

Queenslanders will have permanent access to real-time fuel price reporting, after a two-year trial of the program delivered $9.8 million in savings to consumers at the bowser.

Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering permanent fuel price reporting to save Queenslanders money as part of its economic recovery plan, as Queensland was Good to Go.

“Thanks to the hard work of Queenslanders in managing the global pandemic, our State is open for business this summer,” Mr de Brenni said.

“At the touch of a button drivers can download an app to search for the cheapest fuel from the State’s over 1,550 servos reporting their prices, and it’s here to stay.

Adertisement

“Under the mandatory laws these servos publish their fuel prices within 30 minutes, so drivers can be confident of the best deal by comparing prices through a number of apps.

Mr de Brenni said every cent mattered, particularly at this time of year.

“In time for Christmas break, we’re giving families certainty that wherever in Queensland they are planning to go this summer, they can hit the road knowing the best place to fill up.

“Whether it’s off-roading on Straddie, taking the van down the coast, or giving the V8 a workout around Lakeside, this summer drivers can find the cheapest fuel and spend more on what really matters.

“In the last year alone, using apps could have saved Queensland drivers up to $147.”

RACQ spokesperson Dr Rebecca Michael said the peak motoring body welcomed the State Government’s move to honour its election commitment and make this trial permanent.

“This data, and the apps which rely on it, puts the purchase power back in the hands of the motorist,” Dr Michael said.

“The only chance we have of making the price cycle and local competition work for us as drivers is to buy when fuel is at its cheapest, and where it is at its cheapest, and that’s what the fuel price data gives us.”

Dr Michael said petrol prices jumped as much as 40 cents per litre in the hike phase of the cycle in south east Queensland.

“Motorists have to shop smart rather than waiting for the fuel light to come on and filling up at the nearest servo who could be overcharging.”

Mr de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government had trialled the program initially so that the government could be sure there was a net gain for Queenslanders.

“Trialing this program for two years has allowed us to get this program right, an independent report by Griffith University has confirmed this has saved motorists millions, so it’s here to stay.”

For a list of all of Queensland’s Fuel Price reporting apps head to https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/energy/initiatives/fuel-price-reporting/information-for-motorists