Fuel stations in the Hunter are among those under scrutiny as NSW Fair Trading reveals most fuel price transparency fines are being issued in regional areas.
While around half of FuelCheck inspections have taken place outside Sydney, about 70 per cent of fines have been issued in regional NSW. Inspectors have now conducted more than 4,600 field inspections and re‑inspections statewide, issuing more than 270 penalties.
NSW Fair Trading confirms a service station in Newcastle has received multiple fines during a single inspection, placing the Hunter among regions with identified compliance issues.
Most penalties relate to mismatches between the price displayed at the bowser and the price listed on FuelCheck. Service stations flagged for repeated breaches or consumer complaints will continue to face targeted re‑inspections.
New legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly last week will also strengthen fuel transparency laws, including higher fines and new requirements for stations to notify FuelCheck of fuel prices and availability.
The Central Coast comes out on top for fuel transparency, with only one fine issued for price mismatching through the Bowser Buster campaign.
Three regions have demonstrated the worst compliance rates, with multiple fines issued to fuel retailers in the area. The Southern Tablelands & South Coast has recorded the highest number of fines in the state, with 33 penalties issued. Service stations in the Riverina and Central West are also amongst those logging the highest number of price mismatches, each with 30 and 21 penalties.
