The Minns Labor Government has passed important legislation through NSW Parliament protecting motorists from fuel retailers taking them for a ride.
The Fair Trading (FuelCheck) Amendment Bill 2026 ("the Bill") now extends NSW Fair Trading's powers by making it illegal or a service station or fuel retailer to:
- Fail to report a price for fuel.
- Fail to notify if a type of fuel becomes unavailable.
These new offences will be implemented alongside tougher penalties for service stations caught failing to report accurate fuel prices and availability through FuelCheck, removing the financial incentive for misleading behaviour.
Service stations which fail to meet their obligations will now face significantly larger penalties. On-the-spot fines will double to $1,100 for individuals and triple for companies to $3,300. If the same station reoffends within 12 months, the on-the-spot fines will rise sharply to $5,500 for individuals and $11,000 for companies.
Courts will also be empowered to impose stronger penalties, with maximum fines increasing to $55,000 for individuals while fines of up to $110,000 will continue to apply for companies.
FuelCheck is the NSW Government's real-time fuel price transparency tool putting power back in the hands of motorists by providing them with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state. It plays a part in the Government's fuel security response by providing accurate and timely information on fuel pricing and availability.
This month, engagement with the FuelCheck app and website have averaged around 150,000 visits each day.
These legislative changes will reinforce the Government's ongoing FuelCheck inspection program to ensure drivers aren't paying a different price for fuel at the bowser than what is advertised.
NSW Fair Trading has now conducted almost 5,000 field inspections and re-inspections. Inspectors have also issued more than 290 fines at a total value of over $315,000, with around 80 per cent of these penalties being for price mismatches.
Consumers are encouraged to explore the best fuel prices in their area, report price mismatches and become Bowser Busters by visiting FuelCheck: https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app
This is all part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to improving fuel transparency by:
- Investing $2.2 million to upgrade FuelCheck.
- Conducting record numbers of fuel transparency compliance inspections and re-inspections.
- Encouraging consumers to report fuel prices via FuelCheck or the NSW Fair Trading website.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"We know that fair pricing starts with fair behaviour at the bowser.
"That's why the Minns Labor Government has passed tough new laws cracking down on service stations doing the wrong thing.
"These legislative changes, coupled with our robust re-inspection regime targeting 'red flag' retailers, means there is nowhere to hide.
"Because every motorist, in every corner of the state, deserves confidence that they're not being ripped off between the price at the pump and the price on FuelCheck.
"We are delivering on our promise to ensure transparent fuel prices for the people of NSW."
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said:
"This legislation will help ensure fuel price transparency across the state.
"FuelCheck is a crucial tool that puts power back in the hands of motorists and allows them to make informed decisions about the price and availability of fuel.
"This is about strengthening FuelCheck to ensure that it works for everyone."
