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Public Transport | December 18, 2018

Regional fuel prices remain at all time high

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP has called on the Andrews Labor Government to act immediately to ensure fair fuel prices across regional Victoria.

“We are getting a raw deal in western Victoria and are being forced to pay some of the highest fuel prices in the state,” Ms Kealy said.

“High fuel prices are an ongoing issue across the electorate and in the lead up to Christmas there are obvious examples of unfair and inflated fuel prices.

“In Horsham we are currently seeing fuel prices up to 41 cents higher than in Melbourne, with Warracknabeal, Hamilton and Stawell approximately 31 cents higher.

“Getting on a train, tram or a bus just isn’t an option for many country Victorians with private vehicles the only means of getting from A to B,” she said.

A Final Report on a Parliamentary Inquiry into Fuel Prices in Regional Victoria was release earlier this year and contained a number of recommendations to improve fuel pricing transparency.

“I am calling on the Andrews Labor Government to act immediately to deliver all the recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry to relieve the cost of living pressures that high fuel prices are putting on country families, businesses and industry,” Ms Kealy said.

Ms Kealy has also contacted the ACCC on a number of occasions to relay local concerns about high regional fuel prices and anti-competitive behaviour by fuel companies.

“If anyone has information that may assist in developing a case for potential illegal market conduct I encourage them to contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502,” Ms Kealy said.