A recent report has cast a spotlight on Brisbane, naming it the most expensive city in Australia for petrol prices.
With prices soaring and significant disparities between suburbs, questions are mounting about the forces driving these costs and what relief, if any, might be on the horizon for Queensland motorists.
Brisbane’s Petrol Problem : How Did It Happen?
Brisbane has earned the dubious distinction of being Australia’s priciest city for petrol, with motorists facing an average cost of $1.90 per liter, according to the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ).
The findings underscore growing concerns over the cost of living and fuel affordability for Queenslanders.
The RACQ’s annual report paints a stark picture for Brisbane residents. While fluctuations in fuel prices are common, Brisbane’s averages outpaced other major Australian cities. For instance, Perth reported prices approximately 13 cents lower per liter, making the disparity all the more glaring.
According to RACQ policy advisor Ian Jeffreys, individual service stations are driving significant petrol price volatility, with increases of up to 50 cents in a single adjustment.
These rapid changes have led to calls for government intervention, including a proposal to introduce a 5-cent daily cap on petrol price hikes to stabilise costs.
These rapid changes have led to calls for government intervention, including a proposal to introduce a 5-cent daily cap on petrol price hikes to stabilise costs.
- $1.90 per liter: Brisbane’s average petrol price, the highest in Australia.
- 13 cents per liter: The price gap compared to Perth’s significantly lower average.
- Up to 50 cents: The sudden price spikes recorded at some service stations.
- 5 cents per day: The daily cap on price hikes recommended by the RACQ to ease the financial strain on motorists.
The Price Map : Cheapest and Most Expensive Suburbs
The report detailed price disparities within Brisbane itself, revealing a 30-cent variation between the cheapest and most expensive suburbs :
- Most affordable suburbs: Kuraby, Deagon, Zillmere, Bracken Ridge, and Moorooka.
- Most expensive suburbs: Milton, Mount Ommaney, Jindalee, Salisbury, and Toowong.
Elsewhere in Queensland, Walloon in Ipswich and Molendinar on the Gold Coast offered the best value for drivers.
Government and Consumer Response
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has promised to examine potential measures to address the issue. “We owe it to Queenslanders to look at all possible options,” he stated, emphasising the importance of fostering greater competition in the fuel market to reduce price manipulation.
The RACQ remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that relief could be on the horizon if global oil prices decrease this year.
However, they stress that local interventions are still crucial to protect consumers from unexpected price spikes.
What’s Next for Brisbane Drivers?
With petrol prices at record highs and household budgets under pressure, the spotlight is firmly on the Queensland government to act. Whether through regulatory caps or increased competition, Brisbane’s motorists are hoping for a reprieve from the pump’s financial strain.
The debate over petrol pricing highlights the importance of proactive consumer strategies. The RACQ encourages motorists to make informed choices by identifying the cheapest suburbs and utilising apps to monitor price fluctuations.
Despite these efforts, the journey toward more affordable fuel options remains both challenging and uncertain.
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