Consumer and Business Services is urging South Australian motorists to download a real-time fuel price app to help them save money at the petrol bowser, as prices spike.
The Agency said the cost of unleaded petrol had climbed as high as $1.77 a litre in some parts of Adelaide, while other retailers were offering prices as low as $1.35.
It said that to track the cheaper choices, motorists should use an app such as those from Fuel Price Australia, PetrolSpy, MotorMouth, Pumped or the RAA App, all of which used the Government’s real-time fuel price data as part of the Fuel Pricing Information Scheme.
The Agency said it monitored retailers’ compliance with the Scheme, which required retailers to update their price information to a central aggregator within half an hour of posting it, or face fines of up to $10,000.
Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman said that as prices increased, apps became important means of shopping around and bagging a bowser bargain.
“With such a discrepancy in the current market, motorists filling up a 60L tank of fuel could save around $25 if they can locate and choose the cheapest option,” Ms Chapman said.
RAA said its app had been accessed around 790,000 times since March, with a recent survey showing users were saving an average of $337.20 a year.
Fuel expert for RAA, Mark Borlace said the difference between service stations could be up to 50 cents per litre – or around $30 to fill the tank of a typical family sedan.
“The reality is, if you’re not using an app – you’re probably losing money,” Mr Borlace said.
Further information on the Fuel Pricing Information Scheme, including a list of fuel price apps and websites, can be accessed at this PS News link.
