RACQ calls out servos
RACQ has accused service stations of gouging as petrol prices hit an all- time high.
Townsville’s fuel costs yesterday saw drivers forking out an average of 157.4c per litre, which RACQ spokesperson Lucinda Ross said was the highest since February 2014.
“Many servos have jacked up prices, which is frustrating for drivers who’re sick of paying so much for fuel,” she said.
“In the last week alone the average in Townsville has jumped by almost 5c per litre.
“To think we haven’t experienced prices this high in more than four years is shocking and really hurts motorists in the hip pocket.”
Ms Ross said a rise in the global price of oil had impacted Queensland petrol prices.
“A number of factors, including the United States’s decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and tensions in the Middle East, have caused the global oil price to jump in recent weeks,” she said.
“The increase in the oil price is not enough for fuel companies to hit motorists with some of the prices we’re seeing across the city – some servos are charging 157.4c per litre for unleaded.”
Ms Ross said drivers needed to ensure they only supported those service stations charging the lowest prices.
“We’re urging drivers to vote with their wallets and support the servos charging cheaper prices – even if it’s only a cent or two per litre less, we need to give our business to the retailers charging lower prices and shun those ripping us off.”
Franchisee for Caltex at Railway Estate and Condon Annette Watts said petrol prices were something people would always whinge about.
“Everyone complains about the cost, nothing changes,” she said. “Residents will always whinge, whether its 100 or 155c per litre.
“People hate having to pay for petrol.”
Ms Watts has been in Townsville’s fuel industry for 25 years and said from memory, seeing it at $ 1.55 was among the highest she had seen.
“Fuel is a funny thing because prices are set by factors that aren’t related to anything we can do here in Australia,” she said.
“If you see the base price of fuel however, it’s clear there are definitely a lot of taxes added on.”