The Minister for Financial Services & Regulation, Joe Hockey, today called on the States and Territories to do more to make sure consumers were not mislead by petrol retailers who display one price on price boards but charge a different price at the petrol pump.
"Motorists rely on price board when they are shopping around for the best price. This is reprehensible conduct by service station operators and should be stopped immediately," the Minister said.
"Consumers are entitled to know that when they get to the bowser the price for fuel will be the same as the displayed price.
"If any consumers are aware of service stations displaying one price on their price boards but charging another higher price at the pump, then they should contact the ACCC or their local Office of Fair Trading.
"I call on all the State and Territories to be vigilant in making sure consumers are not mislead when they buy petrol.
"The ACCC has indicated to me their concern about reports that there are instances across Australia of service stations displaying one price on price boards but charging a higher price at the pump."
Minister Hockey was speaking today at a meeting of the Ministerial Council of Consumer Affairs in Perth.