Fuel price blitz fast-tracked in Cessnock as NSW targets misleading servo pricing

newy.com.au – The State Government has fast-tracked a statewide fuel price compliance blitz, with NSW Fair Trading inspectors on the ground in the Cessnock electorate as part of a push to strengthen fuel price transparency and protect motorists from misleading pricing.

The government said FuelCheck, the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool, gives motorists instant access to prices from about 2400 service stations across the state. It says the platform helps expose price hikes, reduce guesswork at the bowser and drive greater competition across the market.

NSW Fair Trading has already carried out more than 703 service station inspections across the state, issuing 35 penalty infringement notices. Retailers who break the rules face on-the-spot fines of $1100 or court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

The government said the crackdown comes as households continue to feel cost-of-living pressures, with the compliance blitz aimed at ensuring fuel retailers do the right thing and motorists are not misled when filling up. NSW Fair Trading is also continuing to work with the ACCC, including by sharing data, to uphold consumer protection standards.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said: “With fuel prices putting real pressure on households in NSW, the Minns Labor Government is stepping up to make sure motorists aren’t being ripped off at the bowser.

“This compliance blitz sends a clear message: misleading motorists will not be tolerated.

“We’re using every tool available, including FuelCheck and tough enforcement, to back motorists and support families when it matters most.”

State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock Clayton Barr said: “These are uncertain times, and every cent counts for our community.

“That’s why the Minns Labor Government has fast-tracked our fuel compliance blitz to protect motorists from misleading pricing.

“Coupled with real-time updates on FuelCheck, there are inspectors on the ground in the Cessnock Electorate to try to stop these deceiving practices.”