This page explains your rights as a consumer, what fuel retailers must do, and what steps you can take if something doesn’t look right.
What you can expect as a consumer
You can expect:
- Clear and accurate fuel pricing information
- To pay the price that is displayed and reported
- To question and report pricing inconsistencies
- To access transparent price information through FuelCheck TAS
Businesses that do not comply with fuel pricing laws may face penalties under the Australian Consumer Law (Tasmania).
FuelCheck Tas
FuelCheck TAS is a free online service and mobile app from the Tasmanian Government providing Tasmanian motorists with near real-time fuel price information.
FuelCheck TAS helps consumers find the cheapest fuel in any suburb or town statewide.
You can download the app to your device or go to the FuelCheck TAS website. Either way, FuelCheck TAS is easy to use and gives consumers choice when buying fuel in Tasmania.
FuelCheck TAS features
- See the average price for all fuel types on any given day
- Search for a specific fuel retailer
- Find the cheapest fuel near you
- Find out if your required fuel is available at a fuel retailer
- Track price changes
- Find the cheapest day of the week to fill up
- Plot frequent or longer journeys using My Trip to find the cheapest fuel along your route
Download the app now - it's free!
FuelCheck TAS for iOS (iTunes)
FuelCheck TAS for Android (Google Play Store)
Fuel types covered by the app
| Category | Fuel type |
|---|---|
| Petroleum |
|
| Diesel |
|
| Gas |
|
| Blend |
|
Fuel price boards
If a fuel retailer chooses to display a fuel price board in Tasmania, it must comply with the Australian Consumer Law (Tasmania) and the Code of Practice for Fuel Price Boards.
This means:
- The price shown on the fuel price board must be clear, legible and not misleading
- The price displayed must be the standard price that applies at the pump
- Prices must not be displayed in a way that could confuse motorists (for example, unclear discounts or conditions)
Fuel price boards are intended to help you compare prices easily and make informed choices before entering a service station, but the law does not require fuel retailers to have them.
Prices at the pump must match FuelCheck TAS
Under the Code of Practice for Fuel Price Reporting, all Tasmanian fuel retailers are required to:
- Be registered with FuelCheck TAS
- Report the standard price for each fuel type they sell
- Update FuelCheck TAS within 30 minutes of any price change
As a consumer, you can expect that:
- The price shown on FuelCheck TAS should match the price displayed on the fuel price board
- The price shown on FuelCheck TAS should match the price charged at the pump
However, because fuel retailers have up to a 30‑minute window to update the app, there’s a chance you could arrive before the latest price change is reflected.
Why prices may occasionally differ
In limited circumstances, prices may not immediately match due to factors outside a retailer’s control, such as:
- Temporary internet or system outages preventing a price update
- Technical issues affecting the FuelCheck TAS app or website
These situations should be resolved as soon as practicable. Persistent or unexplained mismatches are not acceptable.
What to do if you see a price mismatch
If you notice a difference between:
- FuelCheck TAS
- A fuel price board
- The price charged at the pump
You can:
- Raise the issue respectfully directly with the fuel retailer, as they may be able to correct it immediately, and/or
- Report the issue through FuelCheck TAS so it can be reviewed by Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)
CBOS investigates reports and can take enforcement action where retailers are not complying with the law.
Fuel Pricing
As a consumer, you can choose how and when you spend your money.
Except during declared emergency periods, fuel retailers are allowed to set their own fuel prices based on market conditions, such as wholesale costs, competition and operating expenses. However, this flexibility comes with clear legal limits.
Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL):
- Fuel prices must not be misleading or deceptive
- Businesses must not engage in unconscionable conduct
- False or misleading price representations are prohibited
For misleading or deceptive fuel pricing, you can contact Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS).
If you have information relating to potentially illegal anti-competitive market behaviour, such as fuel price fixing, and you wish to provide it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), you can:
- use the ACCC make-an-enquiry webform
- call the ACCC on 1300 302 502 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm AEST/AEDT), or
- email the ACCC at info.centre@accc.gov.au.
Further information
Depending on the issue you are experiencing, you can contact:
- FuelCheck TAS – to compare fuel prices and report mismatches that you observe
- Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) – if you have questions about your consumer rights or would like to report a business you feel may be breaking the law
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) – for information about national consumer rights and fuel market oversight
This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.