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The number of drivers spending more than $100 per month on fuel has doubled in the last two years – but access to live fuel prices is helping SA motorists save $20.5m per year by shopping around – according to RAA’s latest fuel report.
The latest RAA fuel survey shows:
Each month, an average of 65,000 motorists use the RAA app to shop around for fuel – translating to an overall annual saving of approximately $20,514,000 from the RAA app alone.
The average price of unleaded petrol in Adelaide so far in 2024 is 190c per litre – up from 144c per litre in 2021 when the last survey was conducted – an increase driven largely by global inflationary pressures and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
RAA fuel expert Mark Borlace said real-time fuel pricing has been a game changer for motorists, saving them money at the bowser to help offset the rising cost of fuel.
“It’s encouraging to see more people are shopping around before filling up – it shows a positive change in consumer behaviour,” Mr Borlace said.
“We’re arming consumers with real time pricing data so they can make an informed decision.
“As they say, information is power – and we want to empower motorists so they can save money at the bowser.
“We know the rising cost-of-living is affecting all South Australians – and that includes the rising cost of fuel since our last fuel survey in 2021.
“RAA’s fuel price comparison is helping motorists save $315 on average each year at the bowser and hopefully that is helping provide some relief.
“The state government has done a fantastic job implement and policing the real time fuel pricing scheme which has been a huge win for motorists.”
Since the scheme’s introduction, Consumer and Business Services conducts has inspected more than 2800 fuel retailers to ensure compliance, and investigated 1921 complaints. They’ve resulted in 356 warnings and 58 expiations totalling more than $31,900 in fines and levies.
Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Andrea Michaels MP said live fuel prices had been a game changer for motorists.
“Each year, South Australians are saving more than $20 million at the bowser thanks to live fuel pricing,” Minister Michaels said.
“With cost-of-living pressures continuing to bite, the ability to shop around and buy petrol when it is cheaper is helping South Australians to save money and offset the rising price of fuel.
Mr Borlace said drivers who need to fill up the tank should do so now if they see prices around 170c per litre, as the price cycle had been at the bottom for multiple days with a potential spike around the corner.
To find the cheapest fuel near you, download the RAA app or visit https://www.raa.com.au/motor/safety-and-advice/fuel