A number of service stations in the Hunter have been fined or warned following an ongoing FuelCheck inspection program.
In fact, about 70% of all penalties were issued throughout regional NSW.
But, the Central Coast came out on top for fuel transparency, with only one fine handed out for price mismatching through the Bowser Buster campaign.
The Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven regions finished in a close second.
Along with Newcastle, individual retailers in Cooma, Lismore, Kelso, Goulburn and Port Kembla received multiple punishments.
“Our inspectors have been working around the clock and in every corner of the state checking for compliance in petrol stations to stamp out price mismatches,” NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said.
“FuelCheck is a crucial tool that puts power back in the hands of motorists.
“When families pull up for fuel, they deserve clear and accurate information.
“This is about strengthening transparency and ensuring FuelCheck works for everyone.”
Three regions demonstrated the worst compliance rates.
The Southern Tablelands and South Coast recorded the highest number of fines in the state, with 33 penalties issued, predominantly for mismatches between the price at the pump and the price on FuelCheck.
As a result, service stations that display “red flag” behaviours, such as receiving penalties or multiple consumer complaints, will continue to be the target of NSW Fair Trading’s re-inspections.
However, it doesn’t stop there.
As NSW Fair Trading closes in on the most remote service stations over the coming weeks, motorists are being encouraged to be alert in every region and continue directly reporting fuel price mismatching through FuelCheck.
Since March, more than 4,600 field inspections and re-inspections have taken place.
From that figure, in excess of 270 fines, around 80% of the penalties, were for price mismatches.
“Bowser Busters is delivering consistent and effective results – with everyday motorists now acting as NSW Fair Trading’s eyes and ears on every street, road and highway,” Ms Mann said.
“Almost 100 fines have been issued for price mismatches, reported by the public.”
Legislation introduced by the NSW Government that passed the Legislative Assembly recently will also make it illegal for service stations to fail to notify FuelCheck of a standard price of fuel or fuel unavailability at the bowser.
It’ll increase the penalties for individuals from $22,000 to $55,000, too.
On-the-spot fines for service stations will be tripled to $3,300 for the first offence and $11,000 for the second within 12 months.
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