The Palaszczuk government is seeking an independent investigation into fuel prices in Mount Isa and Cloncurry.
Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham has written to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair Rod Sims asking the independent national body to look into whether fuel retailers were ripping off local motorists a month after Mount Isa recorded the highest fuel prices in Queensland.
“The Palaszczuk government shares Mount Isa and Cloncurry residents’ concerns about inflated petrol prices in their region,” Dr Lynham said.
“Mount Isa and Cloncurry motorists deserve a better deal at the fuel bowser. We have seen that motorists in these regions are not getting the same low fuel prices as those in larger cities particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.
“International oil and refined fuel prices are now on the way up from their historic lows and it is important for the economic recovery of Queensland that motorists are not paying more than they should be for fuel.”
It follows Robbie Katter’s call to stop the “roadside robbery” in the north west.
Dr Lynham said the primary responsibility for action on fuel pricing remains with the federal government and the ACCC but the state government was helping out with a fuel price reporting trial to help motorists shop around and find the cheapest servo in town.
Under the trial, all fuel retailers are required to report their fuel prices online within 30 minutes of any change.
Dr Lynham said he has offered the ACCC up-to-date fuel price information from the trial to assist any investigation into fuel prices.
“I have asked the ACCC to look and investigate fuel prices in Mount Isa and Cloncurry and bring what action they can, including naming and shaming the retailers who are doing the wrong thing,” he said.
“While we await the federal Treasurer to give the ACCC some real powers to deal with this issue, I encourage all motorists to use their buying power and spend their money with servos who are doing the right thing.”
Extracted from North Queen Register