Consumers warned on pumped up petrol prices
Issue Date: - Monday, 19 November 2007
Perth petrol prices are on the rise with Coles Express hitting a company record high of 143.9 cents per litre (cpl) tomorrow, a jump of 18 cpl at some sites. Nine BP sites are also hiking by up to 12.4 cpl to 139.9 cpl.
FuelWatch’s Prices Commissioner Pat Walker said Coles Express was effectively playing games with Perth motorists, keeping some of their retail outlets at the cheapest prices.
“Coles Express will have the 10 most expensive service stations tomorrow. Ironically, they also have the cheapest three at 121.7 cpl, a difference of 22.2cpl,” Mr Walker said.
“This could fool motorists who may only be able to catch the name of the cheapest outlet listed in the media and might inadvertently drive in to one of the most expensive.
“These price hikes can put a strain on budgets for many Perth families if they happen without warning.
“This is precisely why FuelWatch exists, to warn motorists of hikes and to make WA’s best petrol prices available at their fingertips via the web or dialing the info line,” he said.
Under a normal price cycle, Thursday or Friday will be the day to avoid filling up the car with most retailers following the price rise.
“There are some big savings to be made today and tomorrow while some retailers are still keeping their prices low,” Mr Walker said.
The average price of ULP across Perth tomorrow is 128.6 cpl. Almost half of Perth’s service stations will still be selling petrol at 125.9 cpl or less.
Tomorrow’s cheapest ULP is 121.7 cpl available at
Coles Express Middle Swan in the East;
Coles Express Edgewater in the North; and
Coles Express Casuarina in the South.
Motorists can find the cheapest prices by checking the FuelWatch website at www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au or by phoning 1300 550 808.