Petrol prices: ACCC reveals probe into Ampol, BP, Mobil Oil and Viva Energy over diesel complaints

The competition watchdog has broken with tradition amid widespread claims of price gouging by fuel retailers and revealed an investigation into allegations of anti-competitive conduct by four major players.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on Thursday said it had received reports concerning the availability of diesel at independent wholesalers and distributors servicing regional and rural Australia.

A preliminary enforcement investigation has now been launched into Ampol, BP Australia, Mobil Oil Australia and Viva Energy Australia.

ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said it was not the watchdog’s usual practice to publicly announce investigations, but given “the significance of the issue” it was confirming the probe.

Diesel prices skyrocketed again in Perth on Thursday to a staggering average of 279.5¢ a litre, up 6.6¢ from Wednesday. In Sydney, it’s 271.1¢, with some charging as much as 289.9¢.

Petrol retailers have come under intense fire over the past few weeks as they drive up the price of fuel in response to the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which have pushed the price of oil beyond $US100 a barrel and suspended activity through a vital artery that controls the flow from the Middle East.

The Federal Government has already threatened Australia’s retail fuel sector with harsh penalties if they are caught ripping off customers at the bowser.

Getting access to diesel in regional towns is also proving difficult for agribusinesses and smaller resources-related operators that are not big enough to have their own contracts in place and rely on what’s available at the pump.

Ms Cass-Gottlieb said the watchdog was “closely scrutinising all fuel markets” and we had received reports of alleged anti-competitive behaviour.

“We are therefore investigating these matters urgently,” she said.

“We recognise the widespread concerns held by consumers, businesses and farmers about fuel pricing and supply issues arising during the Middle Eastern conflict.”

“It is important that fuel market participants and the community know that we are closely watching market conduct in relation to all fuels and we will not hesitate to act swiftly to enforce Australia’s competition and consumer laws.”