Canberra motorists will have access to real-time fuel pricing comparisons across the ACT from today after the NSW FuelCheck app was expanded into the ACT.
The ACT Government, in collaboration with the NSW Government, is introducing the NSW FuelCheck scheme to the ACT as part of a six-month pilot.
Prices will be displayed per litre, without any discounts or special offers, and will allow users to easily search for the best option for them based on their vehicle needs.
“With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate due to wholesale market rates and broader global circumstances, the ACT Government is aware that the cost-of-living pressures weigh more heavily on some Canberrans than others,” a spokesperson said.
“The introduction of FuelCheck is just one measure the ACT Government is trialling to ensure Canberrans can make informed purchasing decisions. By increasing transparency and competitive pressure in the local market, the website and app will provide an easy way for Canberrans to find the best fuel price for their vehicle.”
Shane Rattenbury, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minster for Energy, said: “For many households across Canberra, the cost of petrol is a significant expense to their household budget. The app gives power to the consumer to make educated and informed decisions on how and where they spend their money. This will be another tool for Canberrans to find the most up to date pricing information, to seek savings, and to promote competition in the Canberra fuel market.”
During the trial, the ACT Government will work with commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging operators to add EV charging stations to the FuelCheck pilot.
As more Canberrans make the change to zero-emission vehicles, the government predicts, the need for charging stations will increase. Their inclusion in the trial will provide EV owners information on charging locations.
The government will monitor the operation of the FuelCheck pilot over the next six months to review its effectiveness in the ACT market.
“We also recognise that the future of ACT motoring will be electric,” Mr Rattenbury said. “The ACT will be reviewing including EV charging stations to the app to keep it relevant in a changing climate and up to date with community needs. Their addition will make locating charging stations easier, help[ing] to ease range anxiety.”
Tara Cheyne, Minister for Business and Better Regulation, said: “This is a great opportunity for small and independent ACT operators to take advantage of free price advertising and bring awareness of their location to a larger audience. By opting into the scheme and providing their pricing information, a service station will have their location and pricing information displayed on the app in real time.
“Access Canberra will continue to work with the industry to help them understand their obligations if they decide to be part of the FuelCheck scheme.”
More information on the FuelCheck scheme is available at www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au.
“The NRMA is pleased to see greater fuel pricing transparency in the ACT,” Emma Harrington, the organisation’s CEO Membership & Motoring, said.
“We have long supported transparency of fuel prices and the expansion of real-time fuel price data to the ACT. This initiative will make a massive difference for consumers by ensuring they can always find the best price fuel near them.
“This is a timely initiative which will greatly benefit consumers as fuel prices remain volatile and cost of living continues to rise.
“We know as the holiday season approaches many Australians in the ACT and NSW will be travelling. Real-time fuel prices will help them to better plan when and where they should fill up.”
