Fuel price apps boost competition for lower prices, inquiry finds

February 20, 2018
Herald Sun

VICTORIAN drivers could get more bang for their buck at the pump by using fuel price apps to find the best deal, according to a government inquiry.

But the panel, tasked with looking into Victoria’s soaring petrol costs, has warned against setting a statewide mandatory pricing scheme.

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It found that there was little evidence the practice would help. However, the panel flagged that better price comparison apps and websites could boost competition between station operators.

The inquiry has recommended government advertising to promote the use of apps to compare bowser prices.

Chairman Nazih Elasmar said despite many pointing the finger at foul play the inquiry had found “inconsistencies in fuel pricing between locations are due to local market factors and lags in price changes due to lower stock turnovers”.

However, he did acknowledge “there still exist pockets in regional Victoria where prices are unusually high or remain fixed for long periods”.

The inquiry has recommended the Victorian government undergo an advertising campaign in regional areas to encourage the use of apps to compare bowser prices.

It also called for planning policies in country areas to be reviewed in the bid to lower the barriers of entry for aspiring petrol station owners in the future.