All West Australian fuel retailers must report their prices to FuelWatch or face hefty fines under changes announced by the state government on Sunday.
Those who don’t sign up to the scheme, which covers all metropolitan outlets and currently about 80 per cent of regional outlets, face fines of up to $4000.
Labor claims the changes will make it quicker and easier for motorists to find the cheapest fuel and keep across any shortages in WA.
However, Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said the fines were “all well and good, but that’s not going to help get the supply of fuel to where it needs to go”.
“I note on Thursday, the premier proudly boasting that fuel was going to be reduced by 32 cents a litre, with the excise and with the GST compensation factored in,” he said.
“But ask diesel motorists, or those who need diesel supplies, for their businesses, for their farms, for their equipment, whether they’ve seen that flow on in the short time since that announcement has been made.
“What’s most important here, what’s critically important, is that the fuel continues to flow into Western Australia and gets to the areas where it is needed.
The amendments to expand FuelWatch take effect on May 1, giving the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, and retailers, time to prepare.
Under the scheme, retailers must list their fuel prices for the next day by 2pm, and it must stay at that price for 24 hours from 6am.
The government believes the expansion of the scheme will see about 200 more retailers added.
WA Premier Roger Cook foreshadowed further action on the flow of fuel information as the conflict in the Middle East pushed global energy prices higher.
“Future measures that compel retailers to flag when they are out of fuel, or close to being, will be of great use to families, farmers and businesses, and will also help government to better identify the regions that are experiencing fuel shortages,” he said.
Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said FuelWatch was a “valuable resource for motorists” that had proven its worth, attracting more than five million visits in March.
Last week, the government went to Governor Chris Dawson to enact state of emergency powers so Sanderson and Cook could compel fuel companies – including some of the nation’s biggest chains – to hand over confidential information on fuel stocks and supply chains.
Sanderson said all companies had provided her with more information, which she said demonstrated the emergency powers “have had an immediate effect”.
Commerce Minister Tony Buti said FuelWatch was the first program of its kind in the world when it was introduced 25 years ago.
“In times of uncertainty, transparency matters,” he said.
“We’ll continue to work with retailers and industry to make sure FuelWatch continues to be a trusted source of information for people to see what’s available in their area.”
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