Geelong motorists could expect a further hike at the pump after fuel prices spiked last week.
RACV’s online comparison tool showed most prices across town ranged from 125-135 cents per litre, with some outlets hitting 150 cents per litre.
APCO director Peter Anderson said the local price rise was “inevitable” after almost three months of steady pricing.
“There have been two or three fuel cycles in Melbourne, but the price hasn’t risen in Geelong until now,” he said.
Wholesale prices sat at 107.5 cents per litre the week before New Year, with prices across the city ranging from 111-117.1 cents per litre.
Mr Anderson said the price at the pump was tipped to go a little higher in line with the rising buying price of fuel.
Business at service stations, which last year struggled under the weight of heavy lockdowns and restricted travel, is struggling to keep up with demand in certain places.
“Things have certainly turned around,” Mr Anderson said.
“It’s almost been hard to keep up with the volume we’ve been getting, and we’ve been hearing similar things from other people in the industry.”
According to RACV, yesterday’s average Melbourne fuel price hit 147.7 cents per litre and was trending upward.
Mr Anderson hoped increased local and interstate travel could help the industry bounce back.
“People are going to be travelling around Victoria and Australia in the next few months so hopefully that demand keeps up,” he said.
RACV did not return requests for comment.
Extracted in full from: https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/geelong/geelong-fuel-prices-on-the-rise/news-story/3017b4e78bf87d87dda28fb38f84f22f
