RACQ report finds Brisbane's petrol the most expensive of five biggest capitals

An RACQ report has uncovered Brisbane motorists paying the highest petrol prices among Australia's five major cities. Drivers in the capital area are forking out an average of 199.2 cents per litre for unleaded and 242 cents per litre for diesel. The RACQ is urging state governments to explore ways to cut reliance on imported fuel and diesel.

The city's petrol costs are 10.6 cents higher per litre than the previous quarter. Diesel prices have slightly decreased from 245.6 cents per litre to 242 cents per litre, yet remain pricier than in other major cities. One local resident, Simone, expressed frustration over the steep fuel price increases, calling them "ridiculous."

Dr. Ian Jeffreys, RACQ's price specialist, noted that Brisbane's higher fuel costs may be attributed to fewer independent stations, which limits competition. He also suggested that Australia could mitigate oil price fluctuations by relying less on imported fuel. Dr. Jeffreys proposed electrification and increased use of biofuels as rapid solutions to enhance fuel security, decrease dependence on imported fossil fuels, and boost the economy.

These alternative energy sources are already produced locally in Queensland. Another Brisbane resident, Dylan, admitted to actively searching for the cheapest fuel prices, attributing the surge in costs to the ongoing war in the Strait of Hormuz and potentially misguided government decisions. He suggested that the next election might bring about changes, but for now, consumers are left to endure the escalating fuel prices.