Fuel pricing, discounts and signage
The NSW Government does not regulate fuel pricing, but we will investigate misleading and deceptive conduct relating to the fuel discount scheme.
Several factors play a part in influencing fuel prices in NSW and Australia that include:
- overseas and domestic market forces
- changes in international benchmark prices
- the value of the Australian dollar in comparison to the US dollar
- competition
- pricing by wholesalers and retailers.
Governments do not regulate or set the price of fuel, including the NSW Government. Market forces determine the cost of fuel.
Information fuel price signs must display
All NSW petrol station operators are required to display price signs unless it is inconsistent with local council planning restrictions. The signs must:
- be positioned and lit so any price displayed can be readily seen by motorists approaching the petrol station when the station is open
- display the standard retail price, meaning, the price is available to anyone, without discounts or other special offers, expressed as the price per litre
- display the price of all fuels for a service station that sells up to 4 fuels
- display the prices of at least 4 fuels if a service station that sells more than 4 fuels
- include the price of E10, LPG and diesel, if these are sold, and the service station sells 4 or more fuels.
Petrol price signs can contain information about a discount or special offer, for example, ‘save 4 cents per litre’, if the actual price displayed is the price available to all customers.
These signage requirements help motorists in NSW make an informed choice about their fuel purchase. It also helps drive competition.
Service stations are also required to display the octane rating (or Research Octane Number) of E10, regular and premium unleaded petrol at the pump.
Fuel prices can be displayed in any order.
Service station operators must notify the Secretary of the standard retail price
Operators must register with NSW Fair Trading and notify the Secretary through FuelCheck:
- the standard retail price
- the date and time when the fuel was available at the standard retail price for any fuels sold at the service station.
This Order is legislated under s 58 of the Fair Trading Act 1987.
Discount fuel schemes
Discount fuel schemes (like shopper docket discounts) offer cash rebates when you purchase fuel.
Some schemes require membership and others require the consumer to meet certain terms and conditions to be eligible for the reduced price.
Petrol price signs can promote discount schemes, provided the sign also displays the price without a discount available to all customers.
Report misleading discount fuel schemes
We are currently investigating misleading and deceptive fuel discount schemes at NSW petrol outlets and service stations.
If you think you’ve been misled by unreasonable or undisclosed conditions attached to a fuel discount offer, we’d like to hear about your experience.
Our investigations rely on people who have:
- witnessed illegal conduct
- provided a written statement
- attended court.
We do not accept anonymous information.
Report anti-competitive behaviour
The Commonwealth Competition and Consumer Act 2010 prohibits anti-competitive behaviour (such as price fixing) by any industry.
If you have any information on petrol price fixing, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or email.
Making a complaint
When making a complaint, you should include:
- details of the issues you are experiencing
- copies of any correspondence that shows how you have tried to resolve the matter.
How NSW Fair Trading will handle your complaint
Your complaint will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate resolution. This may include:
- providing you with information to help resolve your complaint
- recording the complaint issues to assist in future compliance programs, or
- contacting the other party to try and resolve the dispute.
You can lodge a complaint:
Online
If you cannot resolve your matter, submit your complaint by using our form.
By mail
Post your complaint form and documentation to:
NSW Fair Trading
PO Box 972
Parramatta NSW 2124
Ask a question
If you are unable to find the information you need, you can call us between 8:30am to 5pm on Monday to Friday. You can also use our form to make an enquiry.