Service stations put on notice ahead of excise change
Updated . First published at
The consumer watchdog has put service stations on notice by vowing to crack down on dodgy pricing tactics ahead of the reduction in the fuel excise cut on Wednesday.
The excise relief program came into effect in April to limit the impact of rising oil prices on Australians following the start of the war in Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The consumer watchdog has vowed to monitor fuel price changes after the government confirmed it would extend the fuel excise cut. The Age
Reducing the excise by 32 cents per litre was due to end on June 30.
However, from July 1 to August 2, the cut will be lowered to 16 cents per litre after the federal government opted to extend the relief.
Australian Competition and Consumer (ACCC) commissioner Anna Brakey said servos should not attempt to take advantage of the excise cut.
“We will closely examine fuel price movements and market behaviour, both in the lead up to and following the increase in fuel excise,” Brakey said.
“We will not hesitate to take action if retailers make false or misleading statements about price movements or if there is evidence of anti-competitive behaviour.”
The ACCC wrote to fuel retailers last week to remind businesses not to take advantage of the partial restoration in excise to profit at the expense of consumers.
The letter also asked them to be clear and transparent in their communications to customers and able to validate any claims made, including those in relation to prices.
“The ACCC expects that fuel retailers will not attempt to take advantage of this increase in excise,” Brakey said.
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