Queensland premier Steven Miles has promised to lower the price of petrol in the state if he is successful in the upcoming state election, through the establishment of 12 publicly owned fuel stations to deliver greater retail competition to the current market.
The stations would run on a cost recovery basis and sell petrol and diesel alongside electric vehicle fast chargers.
The sites would be determined by the government based on where competition is most needed across the state.
Miles has also promised a list of fuel cost reforms in the state should he be successful in gaining re-election including:
- Banning fuel stations from raising petrol prices more than once per day.
- Requiring petrol stations to release price changes a day in advance.
- Work with RACQ to trial a daily limit on petrol price increases of no more than five centre per litre per day.
- Using planning call-in powers and access to publicly owned Transport and Main Roads land to provide a “more level playing field” for independent and small retailers that charge less for petrol.
The $36 million project would be funded by borrowings in the government owned corporation sector.
Miles warns despite the promise, petrol pricing is a complicated issue to solve.
“It’s not a simple issue to fix,” he says. “We don’t control global oil prices, and we can’t force privately owned petrol retailers to charge less at the bowser.
“Publicly owned fuel stations will charge a fair price for fuel, increase competition, and ensure Queenslanders have more choice when filling up.”
The Queensland state election is set to be held on October 26, 2024, with Miles’ Labor Party angling for a fourth consecutive term in power.
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