❓ Hon. Neil Thomson questions the Minister for Commerce about significant fuel price disparities across WA, particularly between regional centres. The Minister explains that prices are market-driven and highlights government initiatives like FuelWatch and pensioner travel support.
AnsweredQoN 1272Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
FUEL PRICES
1272. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the Minister for Commerce:
I note the significant differences
in fuel prices across the state between metropolitan and regional centres, but
also large price differences between
regional centres. For example, in Derby, unleaded fuel on Monday, 21 October
2024 was $2.39 a litre and, in Newman, it was $1.74 a litre.
(1) What measures has the government
taken to address these disparities?
(2) Is it
possible to provide any advice on the reasons for these significant differences
in price between regional centres?
1272. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the Minister for Commerce:
I note the significant differences
in fuel prices across the state between metropolitan and regional centres, but
also large price differences between
regional centres. For example, in Derby, unleaded fuel on Monday, 21 October
2024 was $2.39 a litre and, in Newman, it was $1.74 a litre.
(1) What measures has the government
taken to address these disparities?
(2) Is it
possible to provide any advice on the reasons for these significant differences
in price between regional centres?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) Australia is
a market-based economy and fuel prices are not set or controlled by the
government. Like for other retail goods, fuel retailers may determine their own
prices. FuelWatch, a state government initiative, provides price transparency
and certainty by ensuring prices are as advertised on the FuelWatch website and
set for 24 hours each day from 6.00 am. FuelWatch monitors the Western Australian
fuel market very closely and takes appropriate action when FuelWatch laws are
broken.
(2) Fuel prices
are mainly determined by wholesale prices, the extent of local competition, the
volumes of fuel sold and the retailer's ability to generate profits
from non-fuel sales. Regional fuel markets are not homogeneous and local market
characteristics need to be considered when comparing fuel prices. For example, wholesale fuel prices in the Pilbara are
on average lower than those in the Kimberley due to the significantly
larger fuel market. As part of the 2023–24 budget, the Cook government
announced a $100 increase in the Regional Pensioner Travel Card. The card can
be used towards the cost of fuel or taxi
travel and is now worth $675. This uplift is complemented by the new fuel
discount partnership between the state government and United Petroleum, delivering
savings to Western Australian Seniors Card holders.
some notice of the question.
(1) Australia is
a market-based economy and fuel prices are not set or controlled by the
government. Like for other retail goods, fuel retailers may determine their own
prices. FuelWatch, a state government initiative, provides price transparency
and certainty by ensuring prices are as advertised on the FuelWatch website and
set for 24 hours each day from 6.00 am. FuelWatch monitors the Western Australian
fuel market very closely and takes appropriate action when FuelWatch laws are
broken.
(2) Fuel prices
are mainly determined by wholesale prices, the extent of local competition, the
volumes of fuel sold and the retailer's ability to generate profits
from non-fuel sales. Regional fuel markets are not homogeneous and local market
characteristics need to be considered when comparing fuel prices. For example, wholesale fuel prices in the Pilbara are
on average lower than those in the Kimberley due to the significantly
larger fuel market. As part of the 2023–24 budget, the Cook government
announced a $100 increase in the Regional Pensioner Travel Card. The card can
be used towards the cost of fuel or taxi
travel and is now worth $675. This uplift is complemented by the new fuel
discount partnership between the state government and United Petroleum, delivering
savings to Western Australian Seniors Card holders.
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