Tracking for fuel prices

REAL-TIME fuel monitoring will be introduced to Queensland after the State Government buckled to public pressure following two weeks of soaring petrol prices in southeast Queensland.

A two-year trial will be rolled out “as soon as possible,” making it compulsory for retailers to publish their current price online within 15 minutes of any changes.

It is intended that private fuel monitoring websites such as the RACQ will be able to “harvest” the data from the individual websites and produce it in app form for motorists.

RACQ spokesman Paul Turner described the new scheme as a “huge win,” saying it would empower motorists with more information and save families hundreds of dollars a year.

But for Fueltrac general manager Geoff Trotter the move is more about the Government “being seen to do something about high petrol prices” than actually solving anything.