REGIONAL fuel retailers have failed to keep pump prices in line with falling wholesale prices, resulting in a drop in ratings for the month of November and the prediction that prices will remain higher than last Christmas.
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RAA senior analyst Chris West said the overall rating fell to 3 in November, compared to 3.6 in October.
“Clare maintained its top position for the second month in a row, thanks to offering the fairest prices in November,” he said.
Overall, Clare scored 3.9 out of 5, followed by Port Lincoln (3.7) and Murray Bridge (3.7).
Some towns observed a reduction in pump prices to reflect failing wholesale prices in late November, but most did not, including Ceduna, Port Augusta, Renmark, Victor Harbor and Whyalla.
“Oil prices rose early in December due to a decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries members to reduce the oil they provide global markets, pushing wholesale prices higher and will hit country fuel prices in mid to late December,” he said.
“Each town will be impacted differently, but as many retailers didn’t pass on the 7 cents per litre drop in wholesale prices in November, many can hardly justify passing on the possible 7 c/pL increase in wholesale prices due to increasing oil prices.”
Port Pirie had the best rated petrol prices in November, scoring 4.1 out of 5, followed by Broken Hill (4) and Bordertown (3.9).
Clare offered fair diesel prices scoring 4.6 out of 5, followed by Port Pirie and Port Lincoln.
For LPG, Loxton scored 3.4 out of 5, followed by Naracoorte and Renmark.
- Details: raa.com.au/regionalfuel
