RAC rejects CCI claims on FuelWatch

25 June 2009

The RAC has accused the CCI of doing the bidding of the big oil companies by undermining the popular FuelWatch system.
 
The RAC said many motorists would lose out at the bowser if the FuelWatch system was scrapped.
 
WA’s peak motoring body has long supported the FuelWatch system because it sees it as an invaluable consumer information tool for motorists.
 
The RAC’s Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown rejected the CCI’s claims saying research conducted by the RAC pointed to the system being widely used by motorists.
 
“Our members tell us that they rely on FuelWatch because it allows them to make an informed decision about where and at what price they can buy their fuel,” Mr Brown said.
 
“Our research shows that nearly one in three motorists use the FuelWatch system and that this number increases as petrol prices rise.
 
“For many families and people who are on tight budgets FuelWatch is an important part of how they can reduce their weekly expenditure.”
 
Mr Brown said based on the recent fuel cycle a family could save in the region of $400 to $500 a year if it used FuelWatch to ensure it was buying the cheapest fuel.

“Motorists in other cities around Australia don’t have access to information on fuel prices like we do in WA so they never know where they can get the best price for fuel,” Mr Brown said.

“The CCI is clearly taking the side of big business in its submission and that is something that will cost everyday motorists at the bowser.”
 
Mr Brown said that although the RAC did not claim that FuelWatch decreased fuel prices through competition it was clear that in recent times Perth had had substantially cheaper fuel prices than other cities* in the past year.

“Between May 08 and April 09 Perth prices were on average 4-5 cpl cheaper than eastern states capitals and although this differential has reduced since the reintroduction of the price cycle, fuel in Perth remains at a cheaper price.

“Since 2004 Perth petrol prices have been on average lower than eastern states capitals.”

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