The FuelCheck scheme, introduced last November, will continue in the ACT after a successful trial. The ACT Government says access to real-time fuel pricing at petrol stations will save Canberra motorists money.
The scheme, developed in NSW, displays prices per litre, without any discounts or special offers, and allows users to easily search for the best option based on their needs.
FuelCheck also allows users to see when is the best day of the week to buy petrol, and to receive alerts on when prices drop at favourite stations.
Canberrans have downloaded the app 100,000 times since November. By shopping around and checking FuelCheck, Canberra motorists can pay less than the national average for their fuel, saving, on average, 11 cents per litre on standard unleaded; 15 cents per litre on premium unleaded; and 25 cents per litre on diesel. A motorist who drives 12,100 kilometres per year could save $140 to 200 for a petrol car, and $350 for a diesel car, annually.
“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,” Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs, 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. “
More than 95 per cent of ACT service stations have signed up, and retailers and consumers are satisfied with the tool.
“FuelCheck has been 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,” Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Business and Better Regulation said.
“With strong retailer participation and a low level of issues or price mismatches, that were all readily rectified, there is no need to bring in industry specific regulation to compel participation by retailers in FuelCheck, and the scheme will remain opt-in.”
“The NRMA is pleased to see the continuation of FuelCheck in the ACT to give motorists greater pricing transparency,” spokesman Peter Khoury said.
“We have long supported transparency of fuel prices and the expansion of real-time fuel price data to the ACT.
“As fuel prices remain volatile and cost of living continues to rise, FuelCheck will continue to make a massive difference for consumers by ensuring they can always find the best price fuel near them.
“As the Christmas period approaches, real-time fuel prices will help motorists to better plan their journeys and when and where they should fill up.”
More information on fuel pricing in the ACT and the FuelCheck scheme is available at www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au.
