Half caught out by fuel price boards - NRMA Survey

The survey of over 800 people found 54 per cent drove into a service station expecting a certain price only to discover it was more expensive. Over 30 per cent claim this happened at least three times in the last year.

The NRMA conducted the survey as the NSW and Australian Governments have begun taking steps to force oil companies to advertise all prices of the fuel they are selling on their price boards. Proposed changes would also force Coles and Woolworths aligned service stations to advertise their actual fuel price and not just the discounted shopper-docket price.

The NRMA survey also found broad support (95%) for the NSW Government's proposal to make it mandatory for service stations to advertise all fuels on their price boards. Nine-in-10 people stated the changes would give them more information to help make the right choice about where to fill up.

NRMA Motoring & Services President Wendy Machin said this was a big issue for the community and the NRMA strongly supported both the NSW and Australian Governments moves to give motorists more information before they pulled up at the bowser.

"This issue strikes at the heart of transparency in the petrol industry and is about putting some power back in the hands of the motorist - it's why the NRMA has been campaigning so hard to see these changes introduced," Ms Machin said.

"More than two-thirds say price boards don't give them the information they need and one-in-four are driving off without filling up after they get to the bowser and discover the real price.

"What concerns the NRMA is that half of those who arrive at the bowser begrudgingly fill up and end up paying more than they thought they would - it's these people the legislation will help."

More than half (57%) of people surveyed also believed the new rules would encourage more competition between oil companies as it would force them to advertise all fuels and include the non-discounted price.

"The NRMA believes these changes will encourage service stations to fight harder for customers driving past as it will mean the prices of all their fuels will be on display for all to see," Ms Machin said.

"More competition is exactly what the petrol industry needs."