For years, Armidale motorists have copped some of the state’s highest fuel prices, which prompted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to launch an investigation in 2015.
But a new state government initiative, to be launched on Monday, could offer a reprieve at the bowser.
FuelCheck is an online website that gives motorists real-time fuel price information on their phones, tablets, and computers.
Every service station in NSW must update their prices online when they change the fuel price at the bowser giving motorist the ability to quickly compare retailers.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall will be joined by Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello at the Beardy Street Servo in Armidale on Monday to officially launch the site, which is already live.
Beardy Street Servo manager Shane Beechey said he thought the new FuelCheck website was a excellent idea.
“For us, it’s like free advertising,” he said.
The Beardy Street Servo is an independent fuel retailer in Armidale that often offers motorists a saving compared to many of its competitors.
“It all comes down to good old fashion service with an honest price,” he said.
“The business needs a certain margin to operate; there’s two staff to pay, there is rent and all the other bills, and then that's it.
“It’s just honest pricing.”
Mr Beechey said the quality of their fuel was as good as any other service station and often, they were the cheapest in town.
“We’re 8 to 10 cents cheaper and sometimes 12 cents”, he said.
“And I would almost guarantee that the opposition would be buying [their fuel] cheaper than me.
“I buy small tanker loads - they buy large tanker loads.”
The new website should make it simple for motorists to shop around for the best deal.
New England MP Adam Marshall said for the first time, a vehicle owner could calculate the convenience value of buying fuel at a handy big-brand service station, or whether it was worthwhile to drive to a small independent.
There will be heavy penalties for retailers selling fuel at a price other than that notified on the online price board.
“FuelCheck promises some real competition among fuel vendors in country areas, something that is long overdue,” Mr Marshall said.
Motorist can access the FuelCheck website online at www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app
I would almost guarantee that the opposition would be buying [their fuel] cheaper than me.
- Beardy Street Servo manager Shane Beechey
