B. Fuel Prices (FAQ)
1) Does FuelWatch predict prices?
2 Why doesn't FuelWatch control prices?
3) Do service stations need to show their prices on a signboard?
4) What happens if a retailer charges a different price than shown on FuelWatch or the media?
5) Is a retailer allowed to change their prices during the day?
6) How do I get prices for a different state?
7) How much can FuelWatch save me?
8) The wrong station was shown in the media.
9) There are two similar sites in my town and the media said one was cheap but I can't tell which one?
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1) Does FuelWatch predict prices?
The retail price of fuel in Australia is benchmarked against international prices. These international prices respond to international supply and demand factors which cannot be easily predicted. Additionally, predicting prices or promoting speculation can give oil companies ‘incentive’ to charge more and softens up motorists to accept higher prices at the pump.
2) Why doesn't FuelWatch control prices?
Controlling or setting a price would reduce competition in the market place, and strong competition is the most effective method of putting downwards pressure on prices. Competition encourages variation in prices and enables consumers to choose freely where and when they buy fuel. Motorists should support cheaper retailers and therefore put downward pressure on prices. If a maximum price was set, it is likely to become a ceiling to which prices rise.
3) Do service stations need to show their prices on a signboard?
A retailer's requirement to show prices on a signboard depends on where the site is located. Only regional retailers within FuelWatch boundaries must display price boards. Metropolitan petrol stations usually have price boards to promote themselves to passing motorists, but this is not mandatory.
4) What happens if a retailer charges a different price than shown on FuelWatch or the media?
Retailers must sell at the price they notify to FuelWatch. FuelWatch has the ability to fine and/or prosecute petrol companies and retailers if they change their prices during the day or offer a different price than the one notified to FuelWatch. If you notice a discrepancy or change in a price, please contact us.
5) Is a retailer allowed to change their prices during the day?
No, the 24-hour rule stops intraday price changes, meaning retailers must stay at the same price from 6am for 24 hours. This rule puts pressure on retailers to notify the most competitive price they can, because they set their prices too high, they will lose sales to their competitors. If you notice a retailer changing their price please contact us.
6) How do I get prices for a different state?
The FuelWatch program is unique to WA. Retailers in other states do not have to notify their prices, or stick with the same price during a 24 hour period. A national FuelWatch program was one recommendation submitted in the the recent ACCC report on the inquiry into petrol prices.
7) How much can FuelWatch save me?
The below figures show the average difference between the most expensive and the cheapest retailer each year since FuelWatch started. The savings column is based on the average family car having a 55 litre tank being filled once a week (most families have two cars so the savings are almost double).
Every cent you save, is $28.60 per year (based on 55 litre, filled up once per week)
| Year | Average difference between cheapest and most expensive retailers | Amount saved per week | Amount saved per year |
| 2001 | 19.0 cents per litre (cpl) | $10.46 | $543.77 |
| 2002 | 15.6 cpl | $8.56 | $444.90 |
| 2003 | 15.4 cpl | $8.49 | $441.39 |
| 2004 | 17.5 cpl | $9.62 | $500.48 |
| 2005 | 21.6 cpl | $11.89 | $618.50 |
| 2006 | 21.0 cpl | $11.57 | $601.65 |
| 2007 | 19.9 cpl | $10.94 | $568.92 |
8) The wrong station was shown in the media
Please contact us so we can investigate further.
9) There are two similar sites in my town and the media said one was cheap but I can't tell which one?
Media provide FuelWatch information as a free community service, and as such may have limited capacity to give their audience comprehensive information about fuel prices. Each media outlet presents the information in a suitable way for its own format, style and audience. The various media across the State give FuelWatch and fuel prices free exposure for which we are very grateful.
If you are unsure of which petrol station was the cheapest, please contact us on 1300 55 45 45 (during business hours), use the automated 24-hour prices-line on 1300 55 08 08 (cost of a local call from a fixed-line service) or do a ‘Quick Search’ for your area.
Please note: FuelWatch does not purchase advertising with any media, however our information is sent to media outlets as a community service.
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This page is copyright © 2007 Department of Commerce.