Call for discount price to be dropped from Victorian petrol station display boards

KAREN COLLIER
November 20, 2015
Herald Sun
The VACC wants service station signs to lose the discount price.
PETROL stations would be forced to show only undiscounted prices on their display boards under a push for new regulations.
Industry and motoring bodies have met with state government officials amid concerns some drivers are being potentially misled.
Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce executive director Geoff Gwilym said recommended changes were being “seriously considered”.
The VACC, which represents independent fuel retailers, has suggested legislation demanding that only the full price to be shown, similar to South Australian rules.
Industry representatives yesterday had a roundtable discussion with Consumer Affairs Victoria.
“If implemented, our requested changes would require all operators to display only undiscounted prices that are available to every motorist,” Mr Gwilym said.
He said drivers approaching service stations were easily confused if a multitude of prices, including a price conditional on a shopper docket, were listed.
“It can be hard to discern what they are going to be charged. Not everybody has a shopper docket, but they may mistakenly assume they are going to get a discount price when that is prominently listed on a sign board.
“VACC believes in a fair marketplace for fuel retailers and transparent trading conditions for motorists so they can make informed decisions.”
The VACC also wants a maximum of four full prices on the display boards — unleaded, diesel, LPG and premium unleaded.
Holly Little, a spokeswoman for Consumer Affairs Minister Jane Garrett, said: “The Government is consulting widely with industry and considering options.”
The discount details can be confusing for motorists.
Mr Gwilym said the Government had indicated an ­interest in improving the transparency of fuel prices displayed on price boards.
South Australia’s regulations required undiscounted prices on display boards, and timely updates of price ­increases and decreases.
Petrol stations in New South Wales also had to show full fuel prices on signs.
karen.collier@news.com.au
@KarenCollierHS