Local petrol stations have been caught up in a statewide compliance crackdown, with two local sites fined for breaching real-time fuel reporting rules.
United Strathalbyn and Karoonda Fuel Stop were among nine service stations across South Australia issued with fines totalling nearly $8,000 dollars, following more than 500 inspections by Consumer and Business Services. Other regional sites, including Ampol Renmark Depot and United Berri, were also penalised as part of the blitz.
Authorities say breaches included failing to update fuel prices within the required 30-minute window, or listing fuel as available when it was not. The data feeds into real-time pricing systems used by apps like the RAA fuel tracker, helping motorists compare prices and availability.
Consumer Affairs Minister Michael Brown says the government is taking a tough stance on non-compliance. “It is unacceptable for petrol stations to mislead people by failing to comply with our real-time petrol price monitoring,” Minister Brown said.
“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach – naming and shaming those who fail to meet their obligations.”
The state government is now moving to significantly increase penalties, with expiation fines proposed to rise from $550 to $5,000, and maximum court penalties doubling to $20,000. Recruitment for additional inspectors is also underway.
Minister Brown says the changes are aimed at protecting motorists. “While no government in Australia can control what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz, we are delivering on our election commitment to make sure South Australian motorists are not taken for a ride,” he said.
