RIVERLAND motorists will have help finding the cheapest fuel in the region, thanks to a new State Government initiative to provide real-time petrol prices.
The State Government announced last week a real-time petrol pricing scheme would be introduced for South Australia, following an “extensive review” undertaken by the state’s Productivity Commission.
Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said the initiative would require petrol stations to report any price changes to a “centralised database”.
“This will have significant impacts on regional consumers who have for too long been charged exorbitant prices for petrol because of the lack of a competitive market,” Mr Whetstone said.
“Now, regional consumers will have access to real-time data that will enable them to shop around, instead of being stuck paying higher prices compared to motorists in our city areas.
“While this may not reduce the overall cost of petrol, it will help Riverland motorists make informed choices and find the cheapest prices by shopping around.
“The Government is now working on enabling legislation, before going out to tender to find a
data aggregator.”
The Productivity Commission’s review found access to real-time pricing data helped motorists locate the lowest cost fuel.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin – a long-time advocate for the introduction of real-time pricing – said South Australian motorists had been disadvantaged compared to other states.
“This announcement is welcome news for South Australian motorists who have been getting the raw end of the pineapple for too long,” Mr Pasin said.
“I am particularly pleased that the South Australian Attorney General has seen fit to head my call to follow NSW, QLD, WA and NT in establishing a real-time fuel pricing regime.”