South Australian petrol stations are being put on notice after a statewide compliance blitz uncovered multiple breaches of real-time fuel pricing laws, with fines issued and tougher penalties on the way.
The SA Government has revealed that nine service stations have been hit with nearly $8,000 in fines following more than 500 inspections carried out by Consumer and Business Services (CBS) throughout April. A further eleven sites are still under investigation.
The inspections focused on whether fuel retailers are correctly reporting prices and availability in real time, a requirement designed to help motorists access accurate information and avoid overpaying at the bowser.
Among those penalised were sites across regional and metropolitan South Australia, including Coober Pedy, Bordertown, Strathalbyn, Renmark, Berri, Karoonda, Goodwood, Park Holme and Edinburgh North. Breaches ranged from failing to update fuel prices within the required timeframe to incorrectly listing fuel types as available when they were not.
Under current laws, service stations must update price and availability data within 30 minutes of any change at the pump. This information feeds into apps like the RAA fuel app and others, helping drivers compare prices in real time.
According to the RAA, motorists using these tools can save an average of $117 per year, adding up to an estimated $58 million in savings across the state annually.
But the government is now moving to significantly strengthen enforcement. New legislation set to be introduced to Parliament next week will increase on-the-spot fines from $550 to $5,000, while maximum court-imposed penalties will double to $20,000.
The crackdown will also be backed by increased resources, with recruitment underway for additional CBS inspectors as part of a $1.2 million commitment to boost compliance checks by 100 inspections each month.
Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Michael Brown said the government is taking a firm stance on misleading behaviour.
“It is unacceptable for petrol stations to mislead people by failing to comply with our real-time petrol price monitoring,” he said.
“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach – naming and shaming those who fail to meet their obligations.
“Recruitment for additional inspectors is underway and when Parliament resumes next week, we will be introducing new legislation to significantly increase penalties.
“While no government in Australia can control what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz, we are delivering on our election commitment to make sure South Australian motorists are not taken for a ride.”
Motorists who believe a service station is doing the wrong thing are encouraged to report it via the CBS website.
Stations issued expiation notices in the recent blitz include:
- Bulls Garage Coober Pedy (x 2 expiations); Price discrepancy: Unleaded 91, Fuel Unavailable: Diesel
- Caltex Bordertown (x 2 expiations); Price discrepancy, Diesel & Unleaded 91
- United Strathalbyn; Fuel Unavailable: LPG
- Ampol Renmark Depot; Fuel Unavailable: Diesel
- United Berri; Fuel Unavailable: LPG
- Karoonda Fuel Stop (x 2); Fuel Unavailable; Diesel & Unleaded 91
- X Convenience Goodwood; Fuel Unavailable: Unleaded 91
- Caltex Park Holme; Fuel Unavailable: LPG
- Solo Energy Corporation Edinburgh North; fuel unavailable
