Issue Date:  -  Friday, 25 August 2006

Woolworths Ltd accused of breaching WA’s fuel pricing laws

Woolworths Ltd has been accused of breaching WA’s fuel pricing laws by selling petrol at prices higher than those notified to FuelWatch.

Consumer Protection has charged Woolworths Ltd with six breaches of Regulation 3(1) of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulations 2000.

The charges relate to three Woolworths-owned and operated Caltex Woolworths sites – Caltex Woolworths Mandurah (Magenta Tce), Caltex Woolworths Kingsway (Wanneroo Road, Madeley) and Caltex Woolworths Joondalup (Winton Road).

Consumer Protection alleges that on four separate occasions this year, Woolworths sold either unleaded petrol, LPG or Vortex motor fuel at higher than the prices notified to FuelWatch.

It is alleged that in one instance, Caltex Woolworths Kingsway sold unleaded petrol for 5.8 cents higher than the notified price of 130.7 cents per litre.

By law, petrol retailers are required to notify their next day’s prices to FuelWatch. They must trade at the notified prices for 24 hours from 6am the next day.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said FuelWatch gave motorists the opportunity to shop around for the cheapest fuel and not be subject to price fluctuations during the day as experienced in the Eastern States.

Woolworths Ltd pleaded not guilty to the charges today in the Perth Magistrates Court. The matter has been adjourned to 25 October 2006.

Media Contact:
Gay McNamara
9282 0679
0413 032 584