Victorians have been hit by the biggest surge in fuel prices in more than a decade. RACV motoring experts explain why this has happened and offer some fuel-saving tips.
Leanne Tolra
Fuel prices in Melbourne last week hit 167.9 cents a litre and averaged a four-year high, just as the school holidays began.
RACV vehicle engineering manager Michael Case said average petrol prices were influenced by an underlying increase in oil prices. The increased oil price affects the wholesale price of refined petrol and has a flow-on effect at the pump.
“Fuel is essential, an increase hurts family budgets and contributes to the cost of living. It’s up to the industry to justify current pricing,” Mr Case said.
Average petrol prices have increased dramatically in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth since April, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reports.
How do Australian prices compare?
Australia is ranked the fourth cheapest of the 33 counties in the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development, according to the ACCC’s Quarterly Report on the Australian petroleum market.
Why do prices fluctuate so heavily?
The petrol price cycle is a function of competition and occurs as fuel stations discount fuel to compete for a share of the market. When the discounting reaches an unsustainable level and profit margins become too low, the retailers drive the price back up again. Their competitors follow suit and prices at the pump rise again. The fuel cycle lasts for four to six weeks.
An ACCC report released last month reveals the retail market petrol share of the supermarket chains has declined and independent retailers now have a bigger share of the Australian market. This is contributing to increased competition.
How can I save money on fuel?
Time your purchases to take advantage of price cycle movements. RACV offers a map tool on its website that highlights when prices are low in the cycle – racv.com.au/fuel
Top up rather than filling up when prices are high. This helps to average out your fuel budget.
Other factors that affect fuel prices:
– Australia imports around 20 per cent of its petrol from Singapore and South Korea. To maintain import/export parity, local wholesale prices must closely follow the trends of the international price of refined petrol known as Singaporean Mogas 95.
– The Australian Government fuel excise (tax) of 41.2 cents per litre adds to the cost of fuel.
– The price of oil, which represents up to 40 per cent of the price of petrol, has risen substantially in the last 12 months
– Terminal Gate Prices, or wholesale prices, which include the excise and GST
– Retailer operating costs such as transportation, site maintenance, wages and profits.
