From today new laws will prohibit service stations from advertising discounted prices, such as those that require a discount voucher or an in-store purchase. This will bring confidence to Canberrans that they won’t pay more than the fuel price they see when filling up at the bowser.
These schemes – such as four cents off per litre – can still be advertised, however the price displayed must be the full price available to all motorists.
“These changes will ensure Canberrans aren’t lured into service stations by discounted prices that require a shopper docket, in-store purchase or membership of a loyalty rewards program,” Minister for Consumer Affairs Shane Rattenbury said today.
“Service station retailers will need to ensure that from today their fuel price boards are kept up-to-date so that they never display a price less than the price at the pump.”
Recent amendments to the Fair Trading (Fuel Prices) Act 1993 (ACT) mean that it is now an offence for service stations to display a discounted fuel price on a price board.
Service stations who do not comply with the new law could be faced with penalties of up to $16,200 (for a body corporate).
To check compliance with new fuel price board requirements and increase consumer confidence, Access Canberra will undertake proactive checks at service stations across the ACT.
If Canberrans notice any discrepancies between an advertised price on a fuel board and the price at the pump, they can report it to Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Canberrans are encouraged to do some research before filling up, with online tools such as Motor Mouth and Petrol Spy are an easy way to view current fuel prices in your area.
Extracted from Mirage News