Queensland Premier Steven Miles has announced, that if re-elected in October, he plans to establish state-owned fuel stations.
His proposal would see 12 publicly owned fuel stations operating on a cost-recovery basis, selling petrol and diesel alongside EV chargers, with their location determined based on where competition is most needed across the state.
Premier Miles said publicly owned fuel stations will charge a fair price for fuel, increase competition, and ensure Queenslanders have more choice when it comes to filling up.
“It’s not a simple issue to fix. We don’t control global oil prices, and we can’t force privately owned petrol retailers to charge less at the bowser, but a government I lead will do whatever we can to bring petrol prices down.”
In addition to the state-owned fuel stations, a re-elected Miles Government would also ban fuel stations from raising the price of fuel more than once a day, require petrol stations to release price changes a day in advance, and work with RACQ to trial a daily limit on increases in petrol prices to no more than 5 cents per litre.
“The costs associated with owning and driving a car can add up. But most Queenslanders, especially in the regions, need a car to get around, drop the kids at school or to do their work.
“Currently, when you fuel up your car, you’re sending money offshore to big multinationals.”
The Premier said his government would work with experts to identify where the big petrol players are using their market power to gouge motorists at the bowser and make sure Queenslanders have more options for where they get their fuel.
“I am also committed to working with experts and industry to ensure fair competition in all Queensland communities and that fuel prices can’t be jacked up by any more than 5c a day,” said Premier Miles.
The investment is expected to cost $36 million, with the Miles Government stating it will be funded by borrowings in the government owned corporation’s sector.
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