- Infringement issued to fuel retailer for failing to comply with FuelWatch rules
- Discrepancy between signboard price and price reported to regulator
- Further allegations are under investigation and may lead to more action.
A Geraldton fuel outlet has been handed a $1,000 infringement notice by Consumer Protection for breaching Western Australia’s FuelWatch laws.
The infringement was issued after the retailer offered fuel at a higher price than the price reported the previous day to FuelWatch – part of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Consumer Protection division – in breach of the Petroleum Products Pricing Act and associated Regulations.
Consumer Protection is continuing to investigate additional allegations of incorrect price selling at this site and will consider further enforcement action where appropriate.
Under WA’s ‘24‑Hour Rule’, fuel retailers must notify FuelWatch of their prices by 2pm each day and keep them fixed for 24 hours from 6am the next day, ensuring consumers can trust that the prices listed on the FuelWatch website match those at the bowser.
In the last 12 months, Consumer Protection has received 48 complaints from motorists about fuel-pricing issues, and has issued five additional infringements to retailers found to be non-compliant. Continued breaches can result in penalties of $20,000 for an individual and $100,000 for a body corporate if matters proceed to court.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said fuel retailers must follow the rules every single day.
“Motorists rely on accurate prices, and retailers have no excuse for charging one amount at the bowser while displaying or reporting something different,” Ms Blake said.
“Our officers conduct regular random checks across the State, and since the start of the Middle East crisis, we have significantly increased the number and frequency of these inspections. Retailers are on notice that we will not hesitate to take action when we find prices that don’t match. These inspections, combined with reports from motorists, are essential in keeping the system fair and transparent.
“When prices on the signboard, the bowser and FuelWatch don’t line up, consumers are the ones who lose out. We encourage motorists to let us know when something doesn’t look right – their photos and receipts help us act quickly and hold non‑compliant retailers to account.”
FuelWatch covers all metropolitan fuel retailers and more than 80 per cent of regional outlets, operating across Perth and 64 shires, towns and localities statewide.
Fuel price information is available on the mobile compatible www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au site, which also features an interactive map. After 2.30pm each day, motorists can compare today’s and tomorrow’s prices. Consumers can subscribe to daily free email alerts or, alternatively, email fuelwatch@lgirs.wa.gov.au.
Media Contact: cpmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au