BOWSER BOYCOTT
Motorists battle soaring fuel prices as online backlash grows
PETROL prices in the region have peaked at almost $1.70 per litre, as motorists boycott service stations and petition the Federal Government to dump petrol taxes.
Service stations throughout the region were charging as much as $169.9c per litre yesterday, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warning drivers to avoid buying petrol.
The commission warned petrol prices in Victoria were at the highest point of the regular cycle, with prices now set to slowly drop back down.
Commsec analysis this week showed unleaded petrol prices had reached the highest level for more than a decade nationally, but tipped relief was ahead as the key gasoline price in Singapore dropped amid a stabilised Australian dollar — both of which influence prices at the bowser.
“If prices hold at current levels, motorists could see relief of as much as eight cents a litre in the next one to two weeks,” the analysis noted.
The ongoing sky-high fuel prices led to a two-day national fuel strike yesterday and today.
More than 90,000 people committed to the strike on its Facebook page, with a further 77,000 signalling their interest in taking part.
“It’s time to rise up against the petroleum industry and make a stand,” the event page notes. “The loss of the fuel plus the added sales of drinks, chocolates etc should be enough to send a shock to the industry.”
The service station boycott has also been accompanied by a petition to the Australian Parliament calling for the dumping of taxes on fuel.
“We therefore ask the House to consider in the interests of the Citizens of Australia our proposal for removing the GST on the fuel excise and also lowering the fuel excise and a royal commission into fuel prices and price gouging,” the petition reads.
The ongoing high prices prompted RACV manager of vehicle engineering Michael Case to also remind motorists to simply top up — rather than fill up — when prices were high.
“RACV advises motorists to top up rather than filling up when prices are high,” Mr Case said.
“RACV provides fuel price information for motorists to find the cheapest prices in their area or along their journey. As a general guide, regular searches for the cheapest fuel can save motorists hundreds of dollars a year.”