Australia: Independent Petrol Retailer View of FuelWatch

"FuelWatch meant independent retailers had to ask retailers for support and this put them out of business," Matthew Negus' said  whose family business is part of a dying breed of independent fuel retailers in Western Australia.Mr Negus' family has owned an independent fuel outlet in Dalkeith, near Perth, since 1975 and is not optimistic about the future.

Mr Negus said petrol prices had not gone down.  "The daily fluctuation has gone although the day-to-day prices still largely differ," he said.  Mr Negus said offering extras such as tyre and oil checks has helped keep them in business.

He thought the company might struggle to stay open in the continually isolated market.
Under FuelWatch, all service stations will be required to advise consumers by 2pm each day of the next 24 hours' petrol price. Consumers can access this information either on their mobiles or through the internet.

RAC Western Australia says FuelWatch has not put independent retailers out of business. RAC executive manager, member advocacy, David Moir said in the seven years of FuelWatch it has not had an adverse effect on retailers. "FuelWatch gives the consumer information, beneficial for those who wish to buy cheap petrol," he said.

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