Issue Date:  -  Saturday, 13 December 2003

Petrol prices rise

Tomorrow an Independent joins two oil majors to increase the price of unleaded petrol in Perth by as much as 14.4 cents per litre.

Perth motorists are encouraged to fill up their tanks today or tomorrow to beat the price hike, which sees Shell and BP branded sites selling ULP, with their joint average price close to 95cpl.

Shell branded sites will also increase the price of LPG tomorrow to an average 44.6 cpl, an increase of 10.3cpl.

While a price cycle marks the beginning of a new price cycle, it also represents a fantastic opportunity for motorists to buy at the bottom of the market.

The price hike will increase the metro average for ULP to 89.3 cpl; up an average 2.6 cpl overnight.

However, there is ample opportunity to save money with a total of 61 per cent or 207 sites in the metro area selling at or below the metro average.

Further, more than 100 sites or 30 per cent of sites will be selling ULP between 82.9 and 85.4 cpl.

In the Eastern suburbs the cheapest fuel can be purchased from Caltex Woolworths in Midvale for 83.9 cpl.

North of the river, the cheapest fuel can be purchased from Shell Scarborough Self Serve in Scarborough for 82.9 cpl.

While the cheapest petrol south of the river can be purchased from five sites for 83.5 cpl.

The difference between the highest and the lowest price of fuel tomorrow is equivalent to $9.35 for an average tank of fuel.

Motorists can find the best prices by checking the FuelWatch website at www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au or by phoning 1300 550 808.