Motorists in parts of the south east are being slugged with never-before-seen petrol prices, as the cost of regular unleaded (ULP) creeps toward 200 cents per litre (cpl) at some sites.
RACQ spokesperson Kate Leonard-Jones says more than 15 percent of fuel companies in Brisbane are charging above 190cpl for ULP – most at a new high price of 196.9cpl.
“At the moment, the expensive sites are mainly around Brisbane’s inner north, Mango Hill, Caboolture, and Acacia Ridge, as well as the northern parts of the Gold Coast.
“ Logan, Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast are yet to see the price hike take hold.”
Ms Leonard-Jones says a range of factors are behind the unprecedented prices.
“The hiking phase of this fuel price cycle is combined with high oil prices, international supply and demand issues and geo-political tensions.”
“Last month, Brisbane was the most expensive of the five largest capital cities in Australia for ULP and diesel.”
“We won’t see the average price of ULP crack 200cpl in the south east during this price hike, but oil is trending up, and if sustained, it’s likely petrol could surpass 200cpl in March or April.”
Ms Leonard-Jones urges motorists in the south east to shop around for the best deal.
“More than 300 fuel outlets in Greater Brisbane, including Logan are still selling ULP for 178cpl or below – that’s a difference of around 30 to 45cpl between the cheapest and the most expensive sites.”
“Now is the time to make sure you’re using apps like the RACQ’s Fair Fuel Finder to locate the lowest price available in your area and fill up before the cheap deals disappear.”
