A new RAC survey has revealed more than half of WA motorists have driven their vehicles less to save money, in the past 12 months.
More than 900 members took part in RAC’s Fuel Affordability Survey, which found 55 per cent of motorists used their car less over the past 12 months, up from 50 per cent the previous year.
RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said the survey shows the true impact of rising costs on everyday families.
“Clearly, West Aussies have had to make choices about their travel, like driving the family car less, because it’s just too expensive,” Mr Golsby said.
Unleaded 91 prices reached record levels in 2022, with some retailers charging as much as 239.9 cents a litre at the peak of the cycle.
During the period when unleaded 91 cost more than $2 a litre, one in five people said they struggled to afford to fill up. Even as prices have come down in recent months, one in six say they still struggle to fit fuel costs into their monthly expenses.
“The average price of diesel also skyrocketed by 60 cents last year, to 202.8 cents per litre. This caused nearly 40 per cent of motorists with diesel vehicles to drive less often,” Mr Golsby said.
Asked what actions they have considered to reduce their fuel costs, 21 per cent said they were looking to switch to a hybrid or electric car, 18 per cent said catching public transport more often and 12 per cent said trying to carpool where possible.
“Despite fuel prices coming down from their all-time highs, it is clear motorists are still feeling the pinch and looking for ways to reduce their transport costs,” Mr Golsby said.
The unexpected metro price cycle change from weekly to fortnightly was also a major cause for concern, with 29 per cent of motorists saying they got caught out and paid too much at the bowser.
The price cycle returned to weekly at the start of 2023.
“The uncertain and changing price cycle had a confusing and disruptive impact on Perth motorists and was never fully explained by retailers,” Mr Golsby said.
ENDS
Media contact: Laura Gardiner, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
