Last chance for cheaper fuel, says RACQ

Fill up now. That’s the message from Queensland’s peak motoring body, with a petrol price hike now underway in the lead up to Christmas.

RACQ spokesperson Tristan Vorias said 10 per cent of fuel companies across Greater Brisbane (which includes the Moreton Bay Region) and 6 per cent on the Gold Coast, had hiked to 199.9 cents per litre (cpl) for regular unleaded.

“We’re now in the early stages of a price hike but there is still plenty of cheaper fuel available so shop around and make sure you fill the tank for 172cpl or less,” Mr Vorias said.

“Right now the average for regular unleaded is 169.9cpl in Greater Brisbane and 171cpl on the Gold Coast but we don’t expect these prices to last long.

“Over the next week or so, other fuel companies will lift their prices, which will shift south east Queensland into the expensive phase of its regular fuel price cycle just in time for Christmas.

“With so many people hitting the road in the next few days and weeks, make sure you’re prepared. Just like forgetting the batteries on Christmas Eve, you don’t want to have an empty tank in the lead up to Christmas.

“We probably won’t see the prices fall back into the cheap phase until January, so our message to motorists is fill the tank now, while there is plenty of cheaper fuel available.”

Mr Vorias said there’s a 40 cent per litre difference between the cheapest and most expensive sites, which would equate to a saving of $20 on an average 50-litre tank.

“We all know every dollar counts at Christmas time and there are better things to spend your money on than expensive fuel,” he said.

“Make sure you’re using apps like RACQ’s Fair Fuel Finder to get the best value for money and reward the fuel stations charging less.”