Qld petrol stations, grocers under scrutiny

Grocers using the scrapped fuel subsidy as an excuse to raise prices will be publicly named and shamed, Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser has warned. Wednesday marked the scrapping of Queensland’s fuel subsidy, with prices at the bowser expected to rise to an average $1.30 a litre as operators pay an extra 9.2 cents a litre in tax. He said research conducted by the consumer advocacy group Choice had shown grocery prices had never been cheaper in Queensland than in other states. Fraser said the government was also maintaining its stance to publicly name and shame petrol companies raising their prices too high. However, he said consumers had the most power to hurt companies charging excessive prices. “Ultimately, the power of consumers choosing to go to the next petrol station is what hits them the most,” Fraser said. FUELtrac general manager Geoff Trotter says the highest price in Brisbane on Wednesday morning was about $1.32 a litre for unleaded petrol. “The first of the price rises recorded this morning has gone up as high as $1.31.9 for unleaded and $1.30.9 for diesel,” Trotter said. (July 1, 2009)