NSW Fair Trading efforts to crack down on petrol station price gouging has seen the regulator carry out more than 2,300 field inspections and re-inspections across around 90% of the state since 18 March.
As part of its Bowser Busters fuel price compliance blitz, inspectors have issued over 140 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs), including around 90 for matters relating to price mismatches, failures to comply with information requirements and service stations found not registered with FuelCheck.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Natasha Mann said reports submitted by motorists through FuelCheck about price mismatches between FuelCheck and the bowser were rapidly translating into enforcement outcomes.
Bowser Busters has supported inspectors to issue a further 57 PINs since 30 March, including 56 for price mismatching and one other station not registered with FuelCheck. The campaign has already doubled NSW Fair Trading’s enforcement outcomes when it comes to price mismatching.
“This milestone shows what’s possible when motorists, industry and government all work together for the same goal of transparency at the bowser, especially at a time when every dollar counts for families,” the Commissioner said.
“Our Bowser Busters are making a real difference by using FuelCheck to stay informed and speak up when something doesn’t look right, proving fairness works best when everyone takes part.
“I want to thank the many service station operators who are doing the right thing every day, updating prices accurately and working constructively with inspectors to keep fuel pricing fair.”
Retailers who fail to meet their obligations face on-the-spot fines of $1,100 and court penalties of up to $110,000 depending on the offence.
FuelCheck remains central to the program, with around 350,000 motorists using the platform each day to confidently check prices, track availability and ensure the price they see is the price they pay.
“Our NSW Fair Trading inspectors are out on the ground every day checking service stations are not charging more at the pump than the price they put on FuelCheck,” said Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong.
“With Bowser Busters we have over five million motorists backing our inspectors on every street and road across the state.
“Misleading motorists is never acceptable, and Bowser Busters has supercharged our crackdown on inaccurate pricing.
“Our message to service stations is simple: do the wrong thing and you will be caught.”
To explore FuelCheck, please visit: www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app.
