WA Energy Minister Condemns 'Extraordinary' Easter Fuel Surcharge
WA Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has strongly criticised a Wheatbelt service station for imposing a 20 per cent holiday surcharge on fuel over the Easter long weekend, labelling the fee as 'extraordinary'. In a statement on Sunday, Ms Sanderson expressed outrage and called for the Consumer Commissioner to investigate the decision, urging motorists to avoid the surgecharging station and take their business elsewhere.
Motorists Hit with Staggering Diesel Prices
According to reports from drivers, the additional levy pushed diesel prices to a staggering $4.06 per litre at the service station. The business also implemented a $200 limit on fuel transactions during the Easter break and banned the use of jerry cans, sparking fury among local residents. Ms Sanderson emphasised that she had never heard of a fuel station charging such a holiday surcharge, describing it as an unfair practice that exploits consumers during peak travel periods.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Fuel Supply Distribution
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Basil Zempilas voiced ongoing concerns about diesel disruption across Western Australia, questioning whether fuel supplies were reaching all necessary areas, including farms and industries. He expressed skepticism about the Premier's handling of the situation, stating that there was no clear evidence that the issue was under control. However, Ms Sanderson countered these claims, highlighting that emergency measures enacted by the State government had led to significant improvements in fuel flow to hard-hit regions like Esperance and the Goldfields.
State Government Enacts Emergency Powers to Address Shortages
Premier Roger Cook recently invoked a state of emergency under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act 1972, compelling major fuel suppliers to provide detailed information on volumes and disruptions. Ms Sanderson reported that this move was already yielding results, with fuel companies submitting relevant data ahead of deadlines. She noted a strong resupply effort over the past 24 hours, with 22 additional stations receiving fuel, including 17 Ampol and five Shell outlets. The government is also working closely with Viva Energy to ensure priority sectors such as agriculture, mining, and transport are adequately covered.
Enhanced Monitoring and Penalties for Fuel Stations
In a related development, the WA government has mandated that all service stations in the state report their prices to FuelWatch, with significantly increased penalties for non-compliance. Mr Zempilas remained doubtful that these measures would guarantee fuel reaches all needed areas, though he acknowledged the fines might encourage compliance. Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen sought to reassure Australians ahead of Easter, stating that fuel reserves had climbed to 39 days for petrol, 29 days for diesel, and 30 days for jet fuel due to government interventions.
As the situation evolves, Ms Sanderson reiterated the government's commitment to transparency and consumer protection, while urging West Australians to stay informed and make informed choices at the pump.
