Labor today cautiously welcomed the government's long belated announcement of mandatory real-time fuel price reporting but called for more detail.
Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs Jen Butler said Labor has been calling for action on petrol prices for four years, to no avail.
"Tasmanian motorists have been ripped off at the bowser for years," Ms Butler said.
"Labor began calling for greater transparency from petrol retailers four years ago and, as recently as two weeks ago, the government was refusing to act and simply urging motorists to shop around.
"While it's pleasing to see the Liberals finally taking Labor's calls on board, they need to explain why it has taken so long.
"Other jurisdictions have acted to reduce prices and the lack of government action in Tasmania has left motorists struggling needlessly even though global oil prices have plummeted.
"To wait until the state was in the grip of a financially crippling global pandemic before acting is unacceptable and Tasmanians deserve an explanation.
"The real-time price reporting scheme will help Tasmanian motorists see which service stations are ripping them off at the bowser and shop accordingly.
"I would also urge the government to clarify whether the wholesale price of fuel per litre will also be made readily available to motorists so they can make a properly informed decision about where they shop.
"Tasmanian motorists have been paying too much for their petrol for far too long.
"The government must do everything it can to ensure petrol savings are being passed on to customers for the sake of all Tasmanian motorists.
Jen Butler MP
Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs
