Every driver's worst nightmare: Petrol stations are caught secretly over-charging motorists at the pumps

KELSEY WILKIE
14 February 2019
DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
Perth petrol stations have been caught sneakily overcharging motorists on fuel
Consumer Protection has charged four petrol stations a $1,000 on-the-spot fine
Commissioner David Hillyard says retailers must adhere to changeover times
Multiple petrol stations have been caught ripping off motorists by sneakily overcharging on fuel.
Consumer Protection has charged three petrol stations in Perth and one in Albany for breaching fuel laws.
Each station has been issued a $1,000 on-the-spot fine.
The station in Albany had been caught overcharging drivers 2.4 cents per litre for unleaded petrol for a seven hour period after the 6am changeover.
One Perth petrol station had been overcharging by 2 cents per litre for an hour at the 6am changeover.
While two other retailers in Perth were fined for changing the prices too early.
Staff at those stations had changed the prices at 5am when they were supposed to change at 6am.
Consumer Protection Commissioner David Hillyard told Perth Now the department would take a hard-line on stations that change prices early.
‘It may seem a minor matter but motorists who fill up prior to 6am expect to pay the same price that is published on the FuelWatch website.
‘So we advise fuel retailers to strictly adhere to the 6am changeover time and ensure the prices being charged and displayed on-site are consistent with what is reported to FuelWatch.
‘This does the right thing by their customers and removes the potential of action being undertaken by the Department.’