The Minns Labor Government's ongoing FuelCheck inspection program has revealed which regions across NSW have the best and worst compliance rates for price transparency.
While approximately half of all inspections have taken place outside of Sydney, around 70 per cent of all fines have been issued in regional NSW.
The Central Coast comes out on top for fuel transparency, with only one fine issued for price mismatching through the Bowser Buster campaign. The Southern Highlands & Shoalhaven regions came in a close second, recording only three fines since March.
Three regions have demonstrated the worst compliance rates, with multiple fines issued to fuel retailers in the area. The Southern Tablelands & South Coast has recorded the highest number of fines in the state, with 33 penalties issued, predominantly for mismatches between the price at the pump and the price on FuelCheck. Service stations in the Riverina and Central West are also amongst those logging the highest number of price mismatches, each with 30 and 21 penalties.
Service stations that display 'red flag' behaviours, such as receiving fines or multiple consumer complaints, will continue to be the target of NSW Fair Trading's re-inspections.
But as NSW Fair Trading closes in on the most remote service stations over the coming weeks, motorists are encouraged to be alert in every region and continue directly reporting fuel price mismatching through FuelCheck.
Single service stations in Cooma, Lismore, Kelso, Newcastle, Goulburn and Port Kembla have all been issued multiple fines in an inspection, while a fuel retailer in the Murray region was dealt with a penalty for a 24 cent price mismatch for diesel.
NSW Fair Trading has now conducted over 4,600 field inspections and re-inspections. Inspectors have also issued more than 270 fines, with around 80 per cent of these penalties being for price mismatches.
Bowser Busters is delivering consistent and effective results - with everyday motorists now acting as NSW Fair Trading's eyes and ears on every street, road and highway, almost 100 fines have been issued for price mismatches reported by the public.
Legislation introduced by the Minns Labor Government that passed the Legislative Assembly this week will also make it illegal for service stations to fail to notify FuelCheck of a standard price of fuel or fuel unavailability at the bowser. The proposed legislation will also increase the fines for individuals from $22,000 to $55,000. On-the-spot fines for service stations will be tripled to $3,300 for the first offence and $11,000 for the second offence within 12 months.
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.
"The sheer number and value of fines issued shows the Minns Labor Government will not back down.
"We're pushing this into the farthest corners of the state. Our proposed laws, coupled with our inspection program, are all about deterring service stations from taking motorists for a ride.
"We are delivering on our promise to ensure transparent fuel prices for the people of NSW.
"As we close in on the final retailers in the most remote regions, we want motorists to be alert to price mismatching at their local servo and report their concerns directly to FuelCheck."
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said:
"Our inspectors have been working around the clock and in every corner of the state checking for compliance in petrol stations to stamp out price mismatches.
"FuelCheck is a crucial tool that puts power back in the hands of motorists.
"When families pull up for fuel, they deserve clear and accurate information. This is about strengthening fuel price transparency and ensuring FuelCheck works for everyone."
