Consumer Protection has issued on-the-spot fines to four fuel retailers in Perth and Albany after they breached laws relating to fuel pricing.

Each retailer received infringement notices of $1000 with two service stations overcharging and two others displaying the wrong price prior to the 6am changeover.

A Perth fuel retailer had overcharged 2 cpl for ULP for more than an hour after the 6am changeover.

An Albany fuel retailer had overcharged 2.4 cents per litre (cpl) for ULP for more than seven hours after the 6am changeover.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard warned retailers that reported discrepancies between the published FuelWatch price and the price being charged on-site will be investigated.

“When motorists report differences to us they are always followed up with operators being asked for an explanation. We also have officers who regularly conduct random checks, so retailers who are not complying with the law will eventually be found out,” Mr Hillyard said.

Two fuel outlets on the outskirts of Perth were fined for changing their prices too early.

Staff had changed over the price after both stations opened at 5am instead of waiting until 6am.

“It may seem a minor matter but motorists who fill up prior to 6am expect to pay the same price that is published on the FuelWatch website,” Mr Hillyard said.

“So we advise fuel retailers to strictly adhere to the 6am changeover time and ensure the prices being charged and displayed on-site are consistent with what is reported to FuelWatch. This does the right thing by their customers and removes the potential of action being undertaken by the Department.”

Fuel price information is available on the mobile compatible www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au site and after 2.30pm each day motorists can compare both today’s and tomorrow’s prices.