By Goya Dmytryshchak
As petrol prices rose to a historic high of almost $1.70 a litre last week, a peak motoring lobby group is urging people to shop around.
But an Altona Meadows resident is campaiging for cheaper petrol locally.
Diana Grima, who has petitioned her local Coles Express for a petrol price review, said she would prefer to fill up close to home and support local businesses.
She has been comparing the supermarket chain’s petrol prices with those of independent retailers and noticed higher prices across the board.
“I think they’re doing it because they can and – guess what – it’s school holidays,” Ms Grima said.
“We’re busy mothers or fathers or guardians – we don’t have time to go [further].
“I’ve got a baby, I’m working. Do you think I want to go out of my way?
“That’s my family time. I’d like to support local – I’m not going to give up.”
RACV public policy general manager Bryce Prosser said fuel was essential for many people so rises put household budgets under
pressure.
“In many cases, people living in outer suburbs have fewer choices when it comes to public transport so the only option they have is a car,” he said.
“The petrol price hike will be an added burden for people facing cost-of-living pressures.
“The price cycle is so volatile, it’s almost impossible to predict.
“RACV’s advice for motorists is to shop around and use our fuel watch website to find the best value in their area or along their journey. As a general guide, regular searches for the cheapest fuel can save motorists hundreds of dollars per year.”
A Coles spokesperson said Coles Express always sought to provide competitive fuel offerings to its customers.
“In addition to the four cents per litre fuel discount voucher received when spending a minimum $30 in Coles supermarkets, customers can also save 10 cents per litre by spending a minimum $20 in Coles Express stores,” the spokesperson said. “The discounts can be used separately or combined.”
