The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) latest petrol industry report on fuel price apps and websites has illustrated the benefits these can bring to consumers.
According to the report, there are more than 40 fuel price apps and websites available from a range of providers, including state and territory governments, motoring groups, fuel companies, and others.
It found that in 2023, a motorist in the five largest cities in Australia could have made substantial savings from filling up at the lowest point of petrol price cycles and from looking around for lower priced outlets at other times.
ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey said that now is a good time for motorists to consider using such apps and websites.
“In the current economic climate, finding savings is important to many motorists. Using apps and websites to choose where and when to fill up can help consumers save money,” Ms Brakey said
“Our study has found that downloads of fuel price apps and the number of active app users have increased over time. These are powerful tools for motorists looking for lower fuel prices, which may be only a short drive away,” she said.
The ACCC has been monitoring retail fuel prices in capital cities and several regional locations since 2007, and it prepares petrol industry reports on aspects of consumer interest in the fuel market.
