RAC slams high LPG prices

Perth motorists are paying too much to fill up their vehicles with LPG according to WA’s peak
motoring organisation.

The RAC said the average price of LPG in Perth had increased at the bowser in March by more
than 3 cents while the international bench mark price of Saudi Aramco propane had fallen.

RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown said although LPG makes up less than 9 per cent of
retail fuel sales in WA it was important that motorists were paying a fair price.

“It is inexplicable that bowser prices for LPG are increasing when the international benchmark price
is heading in the other direction,” Mr Brown said.

“Motorists are currently paying 65 cents a litre for LPG and we believe this amount should be
below 62 cents.

“In 2008 the difference between the Perth retail price of LPG and the international benchmark price
averaged less than 22 cents a litre. Worryingly, it has been trending upwards for sometime and
currently stands at nearly 25 cents a litre.

“This figure should be trending down and we call on LPG fuel retailers and wholesalers to drop
their prices immediately.

Mr Brown advised motorists to ‘shop smart’ and only buy LPG at stations where it was reasonably
priced.

“Motorists can buy LPG for less than 58 cents a litre north and south of the river and 59 cents in
the east so cheap LPG is available,” he said.

“Our advice is; shop with your feet and only buy LPG at stations selling it for less than 62 cents – if
you see it advertised for any more then drive right by.”

Mr Brown said offering affordable LPG prices was important in offering motorists a greener option
to ULP (and diesel) and lowering overall vehicle emissions.

“LPG needs to remain an attractive option to motorists because it is currently the only alternative
fuel available in WA that motorists who use petrol can easily change to.

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