Pressure at pumps Call for servos to provide real- time updates on fuel prices
TOWNSVILLE motorists are being “ripped off” at the bowser, prompting calls for compulsory real- time fuel price monitoring.
Opposition transport spokesman Steve Minnikin said forcing service stations to share the price of fuel was the only way to ensure motorists got a fair deal.
“It would be a legal require- ment for each company to upload their fuel data because at the moment it’s a voluntary type of code,” he said.
Mr Minnikin said if fuel prices were updated in real time customers could “vote with their feet”, which would increase competition and drive down the cost.
“As anyone knows that fills up their bowser, every cent does add up when you’re putting in 60 or 70 litres in a tank,” he said. “Then you multiply that by the average saving over a year and it really is a compelling reason to why it should be introduced.” A VISIT to hospital is often distressing dist i but b the Townsville Hospital hopes patients can pass the time a little easier with new free Wi- Fi.
The switch- on of free Wi- Fi at the hospital will also help patients stay in touch with loved ones when they need it most.
Townsville mum Peta Phillips and her daughter Hayley, 3, are regular visitors to Townsville Hospital as Hayley receives treatment for liver cancer.
Ms Phillips said having publicly accessible Wi- Fi helped treatment time go faster.
“We bring in an iPad on her treatment days so she can play around on YouTube or ABC Kids. It keeps her calm and doesn’t make it feel like such a long day,” she said.
“I am sure a lot of parents know that if their kids get a hold of their phone or tablet your data allowance doesn’t last long.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Tony Mooney said the free Wi- Fi would allow patients to keep in touch with their loved ones, send emails and keep up with the news of the day.
“It is free to use,” he said.
Mr Minnikin said when he observed service stations in Townsville, he only saw two charging motorists the “fair” price recommended by RACQ.
A further 25 stations were selling above the recommendation.
“Fuel companies are taking Queenslanders for a ride and Townsville is no exception,” he said.
“The best way to end this is to boost competition between retailers and we could do this by introducing mandatory real- time … price monitoring.”
Mr Minnikin said a similar system in NSW had caused prices to fall by about $ 6 a tank.
“Real- time fuel price monitoring allows motorists to know exactly where and when to fill for the best price – but it needs the State Government to get on board to compel all retailers to provide live data,” he said.
“The RACQ and NRMA back real- time fuel price monitoring as a commonsense solution and the South Australia Government is looking at legislation as well.”
Mr Minnikin said the same “good thinking” to save money should happen in Queensland.
“The LNP understands Queenslanders are struggling to keep their household budgets under control and high fuel prices are yet another hit to the hip pocket.”