During a period of heightened cost pressures, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s measures to stop petrol price gouging.
The VTA has described the daily fuel price cap as a sensible and timely reform that will support transport operators and the wider community.
VTA CEO Peter Anderson says the new rules – requiring fuel retailers to set and publish a capped daily price – will help restore fairness and transparency at the bowser for the transport industry, which relies on predictable fuel costs to maintain safe, reliable and viable operations.
“Fuel is one of the single biggest cost inputs for freight and logistics operators,” he says.
“Sudden and excessive retail price spikes don’t just hurt transport businesses – they flow directly through to the cost of moving goods, and ultimately to Victorian families.
“We commend the Government for stepping in to prevent opportunistic price gouging, especially at a time when global instability is already placing upward pressure on fuel markets.”
Anderson says that now is not the time for stockpiling or panic buying.
“Fuel security relies on steady, predictable demand. Panic buying only strains supply chains unnecessarily and creates the very shortages people fear,” he says.
“The VTA strongly encourages Victorians to trust the system, use the published prices, and avoid behaviour that could destabilise supply.”
He says the new cap is a constructive step toward keeping the fuel market fair, especially when global shocks and international volatility often impact Australia first.
“Anything that smooths volatility and improves transparency helps the freight industry stay safe, efficient and viable,” he says.
“The Government’s daily price cap will do exactly that by stopping overnight price jumps that make it harder for operators to plan and price their services sustainably.”
The VTA looks forward to working with the Government as these reforms roll out and continues to advocate for long-term fuel security measures that support a resilient transport network.