In addition to monitoring the price of unleaded petrol, diesel and automotive LPG in all capital cities, the ACCC monitors fuel prices in over 150 regional centres and country towns across Australia.

Why do fuel prices differ between city and country or between country towns?

The ACCC often receives consumer queries about why fuel prices differ in regional areas compared to cities and is also asked why fuel prices differ between a number of regional towns.

In general, there are a number of reasons why fuel prices are different between cities and regional areas. The ACCC’s fact sheet on fuel prices in regional Australia explains the main factors that influence the price of fuel in regional Australia.

Country prices – slow to fall and slow to rise

Prices in regional areas also tend to respond more slowly to changes that occur in metropolitan areas. The ACCC generally sees that while prices in regional areas might fall slowly they also tend to rise more slowly. The ACCC’s fact sheet on fuel prices in regional Australia explains this further.

Fuel prices in regional Australia and the ACCC

Through its monitoring, the ACCC tracks prices in regional Australia carefully. Members of the public also inform the ACCC about fuel pricing issues.

When the ACCC identifies a concern about fuel prices in regional Australia it first seeks further information by making inquiries. If the ACCC believes a breach of the Competition and Consumer Act has occurred, it will investigate the issue further. If evidence of illegal conduct exists the ACCC may take action. The ACCC’s fact sheet on fuel prices in regional Australia explains this further.