- Cook Labor Government strengthens FuelWatch scheme to cover every WA fuel retailer from today
- Mandatory supply outage reporting to improve visibility of issues
- Higher penalties and stronger compliance measures to ensure accurate, timely data
The Cook Labor Government's strengthened FuelWatch requirements come into effect on Friday, with all fuel retailers across Western Australia now required to report their prices - and, for the first time, to report fuel supply outages - to the State's long-running fuel price transparency system.
From 1 May, every fuel retailer in WA will be covered by the FuelWatch scheme, increasing fuel price transparency for motorists to find the cheapest fuel and check supply across the State. The expansion supports the Cook Labor Government's ongoing response to fuel shocks linked to the conflict in the Middle East, ensuring people have access to reliable, real-time information no matter where they live.
Until now, FuelWatch has covered all metropolitan outlets but only around 80 per cent of regional sites. The expansion brings the remaining outlets into the system, adding 203 additional retailers.
The strengthened scheme also introduces mandatory reporting of fuel supply outages under the State Government's current emergency powers, giving government and industry a clearer picture of supply pressures across the State. Reported outages may rise as retailers will now be required to report all supplyrelated disruptions, whereas reporting was previously voluntary.
To support the transition, the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety's Consumer Protection team has engaged with retailers, including targeted work with regional and remote communities. Regional officers will also be on the ground engaging directly with Aboriginal corporations and working with people living in the communities to help them access and understand the FuelWatch website.
Penalties for non-compliance have also increased from $1,000 to $4,000 and since the conflict began, 78 infringements have been issued to fuel retailers for breaches of the FuelWatch rules, with 33 issued under the higher penalties.
These rules require that once a price is submitted by 2pm it must remain fixed for 24 hours from 6am the following day. If ongoing breaches of these rules are identified, enforcement activity will escalate.
Consumer complaints and enquiries regarding retailer non-compliance with WA's 24-hour rule peaked in midMarch before easing later in April.
The State Government continues to monitor retail margins following the Commissioner for Consumer Protection commencing an Inquiry to ensure consumer interests are protected and the Federal fuel excise discount is being passed on.
FuelWatch continues to be widely used by motorists, with 5,098,248 website visits in March and 3,886,300 so far in April.
The Cook Labor Government is working around the clock to secure fuel supply for Western Australians and keep costs down.
Through the implementation of the Premier's seven-point plan for fuel security, the work of the Fuel Industry Operations Group, the strengthening of FuelWatch and the exercising of emergency powers for greater supply chain transparency, Western Australia is as well placed as any jurisdiction to meet future supply chain disruptions resulting from the Middle East conflict.
This is evidenced by:
- the volumes of fuel held by fuel suppliers in Western Australia being greater than before the conflict started;
- the consistently small number of retailers reporting stock outages; and
- Perth having some of the cheapest fuel on average in the country.
For more information, visit: http://www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"FuelWatch has been a trusted tool for Western Australians to get information on fuel supply and pricing for more than 25 years.
"These changes further strengthen its role during this globally challenging time. With stronger penalties now in place, retailers know that accurate reporting is essential.
"Not only do these rules give motorists clearer information, but they also give my government better visibility of where supply pressures may be emerging."
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"No matter where you live you deserve access and choice to the cheapest fuel available.
"Today's changes will strengthen Fuelwatch and will allow drivers to support retailers doing the right thing.
"We're also cracking down on non-compliance with fines increasing from $1,000 to $4,000."
As stated by Acting Commerce Minister Paul Papalia:
"For 25 years, FuelWatch has helped Western Australians make informed decisions about when and where to buy fuel, and these new requirements ensure the system continues to meet the needs of motorists today.
"We are also monitoring retail margins closely following the Commissioner's recent correspondence with the sector. That work is ongoing and reflects our commitment to ensuring motorists are treated fairly.
"These reforms improve transparency, strengthen confidence in the information available to the public, and ensure FuelWatch remains a dependable service for communities across Western Australia for years to come."
