Perth motorists brace for record high prices
Issue Date: - Wednesday, 2 January 2008
Perth unleaded petrol prices will hit a record high tomorrow (2 January) when some BP sites hike the price of their unleaded petrol to 146.9 cents per litre (cpl), a jump of up to 12 cents.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said the increase sparks a new price cycle, which will hit many motorists in the hip pocket as they return to work from the Christmas break.
"This move by BP eclipses the previous highest metropolitan price of 145.9 cpl recorded by a major brand in early December," Mr Walker said.
"This price hike by BP is a contrived marketing strategy and, like all price cycle hikes, is not justified by the international benchmark price for petrol.
"This hike brings the average metropolitan price for unleaded petrol to 134.6 cpl. In comparison, Perth motorists were paying an average of 112.3 cpl for unleaded fuel on New Year's day last year," Mr Walker said.
"Generally it takes a few days for other petrol companies to increase their prices so today and tomorrow is the best time for motorists to fill up and take advantage of lower prices at other outlets."
Mr Walker said more than 150 of Perth's service stations will be selling petrol at 132.9 cpl or less tomorrow, representing significant savings for motorists.
Tomorrow's cheapest ULP is 130.1 cpl available at
- Coles Express Clarkson;
- Coles Express Middle Swan; and
- Coles Express Southern River.
Motorists can find the best prices by checking the FuelWatch website at www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au or by phoning 1300 550 808.