Helping motorists save at the bowser

We have directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to extend its fuel price monitoring program for an extra five years.

This is about making sure consumers get a better deal at the bowser through better competition and the ACCC’s quarterly reports play an important role in that.

The ACCC’s latest quarterly report released today found average retail prices in the five largest cities were lower than 2024 levels, while the gap between prices in metro and regional areas also narrowed.

The current direction, which requires the ACCC to monitor and report on petrol prices quarterly, expires this month.

We’re extending it because we’re determined to make sure the regulator can keep a close eye on the price of fuel and make sure the fuel market is operating as it should.

The direction will also allow the ACCC to keep reporting on emerging issues in the industry. The ACCC has delivered reports on important issues like market composition, price cycles, the financial performance of the industry, and how consumers can make the most of fuel price apps and websites.

For example, the September quarter report updates consumers on developments in vehicle sales.

9.7 per cent of new vehicles sold were battery electric and, along with plug‑in hybrid electric vehicles, made up 13.8 per cent of all new vehicle sales over the September quarter.

Registrations of battery and fuel‑cell electric vehicles have increased 670 per cent since we came to office, saving motorists even more on fuel costs.

We’re supporting the uptake of more efficient vehicles, including with our recent $40 million investment in nationwide charging infrastructure.

These reports help consumers and Government better understand the industry and ensure greater accountability.

Whether they’re in our cities or regional areas, Australian motorists rightly expect that petrol companies are doing the right thing and setting prices fairly.

We’ve consistently backed the ACCC by ensuring they have the right tools to take on companies ripping off consumers, including increasing penalties for corporations engaging in anti‐competitive behaviour from $10 million to $50 million.

Knowing that the independent regulator will continue to monitor pricing behaviour in the years ahead puts the industry on notice that there will be no let‑up in scrutiny.

This will help to ensure that the market is properly competitive, market conditions are not misrepresented and motorists are not misled.

The ACCC’s fuel price monitoring and quarterly reports are an important part of our Government’s efforts to do all we can to help Australians with the cost of living.

Sources: ACCC Report on the Australian petroleum market September quarter 2024; ACCC Report on the Australian petroleum market September quarter 2025; Prices are cents per litre.