Retailers face fines for not reporting prices under expanded FuelWatch scheme
All fuel retailers in Western Australia will have to report their prices to FuelWatch or face hefty fines under changes announced by the state government on Sunday.
Those who fail to sign up to the scheme, which covers all metropolitan stores and around 80 per cent of regional outlets now, face fines of up to $4000.
Labor claims the changes will make it faster and easier for motorists to find the cheapest fuel and address shortages in Western Australia.
But Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said fines were “all well and good, but it will not help get fuel supplies to where they need to go.”
“I will note that on Thursday the prime minister proudly boasted that fuel prices would be reduced by 32 cents per litre, including excise duty and GST compensation,” he said.
“But ask diesel drivers or those who need a diesel supply for their businesses, farms, equipment, whether this flow has continued in the short time since this announcement was made.
“The most important, critical thing here is that fuel continues to flow into Western Australia and reach the areas where it is needed.
The changes to the FuelWatch expansion will come into force on May 1, giving the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety and retailers time to prepare.
According to the plan, retailers must list fuel prices by 14:00 the next day and prices must remain at that price for 24 hours, starting at 6 am.
The government believes the expansion of the program will add approximately 200 more retailers.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has heralded further action on the flow of fuel information as conflicts in the Middle East push up global energy prices.
“Future measures that force retailers to flag when they have run out of fuel or are about to run out of fuel will greatly benefit families, farmers and businesses, and will also help the government better identify areas experiencing fuel shortages,” he said.
Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said FuelWatch was a “valuable resource for drivers” that had proven its value by receiving more than five million visits in March.
Last week, the government went to Gov. Chris Dawson to invoke emergency powers so Sanderson and Cook could force fuel companies (including some of the nation’s largest chains) to hand over confidential information about fuel stocks and supply chains.
Sanderson said all companies provided him with more information, which showed the emergency powers were “effective immediately.”
Trade Minister Tony Buti said FuelWatch was the first program of its kind in the world when it was introduced 25 years ago.
“In times of uncertainty, transparency is important,” he said.
“We will continue to work with retailers and the industry to ensure FuelWatch remains a trusted source of information for people to see what is available in their area.”
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