Issue Date:  -  Monday, 30 April 2001

FuelWatch - Cheapest Fuel Prices go onto Country Television

Consumer Affairs Minister John Kobelke announced that the Government's FuelWatch service would make its way into the homes of regional Western Australians via GWN nightly news each weekday, starting today.

"We are very pleased to be able to provide information on the cheapest notified fuel prices in twenty four major regional areas, thanks to the assistance of GWN" Minister Kobelke said.

"The success of the Ministry of Fair Trading's FuelWatch on metropolitan television and also more than thirty thousand website hits per day, has proven that the motoring public is interested in finding the best fuel prices and being informed of what is happening. Since commencing operation in January this year, the FuelWatch website has recorded in excess of three and a half million hits and has featured on two major television news programs seven days per week" the Minister said.

Unlike the metropolitan segments, FuelWatch on GWN will also feature the cheapest notified prices in each town for Diesel in addition to Unleaded due to the unique needs of country people.

"By watching the evening news on GWN each weeknight, consumers will find out the cheapest unleaded and diesel prices in each of the twenty four prescribed towns, and be able to contact the twenty four hour/seven day FuelWatch information services on the Internet or by telephone for further details". Mr. Kobelke said.

"Similar to telephone banking, a caller can obtain fuel prices for any town or location by following a series of simple instructions over the telephone. Callers will be asked to enter their postcode and fuel product selection by pressing the buttons on their telephone. The website is also easy to use and support staff can be contacted on a local call number should assistance be required", Mr. Kobelke said.

Fuel retailers are required by WA laws to advise of any intended price changes by 2pm the day prior to the changes being made at the pump. This information is then available from FuelWatch from about 5pm daily by:

- phone: 1300 55 08 08 (Cost of a local call statewide)

- the net: www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au

To contact FuelWatch staff, telephone 1300 55 45 45 at the cost of a local call, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5pm.