Discount fuel price display on way out

SERVICE stations will be banned from displaying discounted fuel prices on price boards under State Government reforms.

The measure, meant to clarify fuel pricing for consumers, has the support of the RACT and the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The State Government introduced a code of practice for fuel price boards yesterday which, once passed, would allow only normal non-discounted fuel prices to be displayed.

Building and Construction Minister Guy Barnett said the measure would make it easier for Tasmanian motorists to quickly and accurately determine the price of fuel.

“The cost of filling up a car is a major impost on the household budget for a great many Tasmanians, and fluctuating petrol prices are a source of constant frustration,” Mr Barnett said.

“The new code will sit alongside GasBuddy, a free mobile app supported by the Government through a $60,000 grant to the RACT earlier this year. GasBuddy provides public access to service station petrol prices sourced from consumersubmitted data.”

RACT boss Harvey Lennon said the code was a muchneeded and welcome step.

“Inconsistent fuel price board information makes it difficult for motorists to compare prices, or even know what they will pay for their fuel when they are filling up,” Mr Lennon said.

TCCI chief Michael Bailey welcomed the move.