The Hon. Ashton Hurn, State Liberal Leader (SA), Media Release, 9 April 2026

The State Opposition is calling for greater scrutiny of fuel retailers who appear to be using global events as an excuse to over-inflate prices.

The RAA says unleaded pump prices are between 15 and 20 cents per litre higher than wholesale prices, which compares to margins of between eight and 13 cents per litre before the Middle East conflict began.

“We see that margin is at least seven cents a litre above where it should be for motorists,” RAA fuel expert Peter Nattrass said on ABC radio yesterday.

“Metro retailers need to do more to pass on savings, particularly as Gather Round comes forward.”

State Liberal Leader Ashton Hurn said retailers should be looking to lower their margins during the crisis, not increase them.

“Families desperately need relief at the bowser, but what they’re getting is the opposite,” Mrs Hurn said.

“It would be very disappointing if some retailers are adding to the hip-pocket pain already being felt by hard-working South Australians.

“This is a concerning situation and the state and federal governments need to pull every lever to ensure it stops.”

The State Liberals were pleased when Federal Labor finally responded to their calls for a cut in the fuel excise, but the relief will only be felt if it’s being fully passed on.

“With Gather Round kicking off tonight, we will be watching prices very closely to ensure retailers aren’t unfairly taking advantage of the extra traffic on our roads,” Mrs Hurn said.

“The Liberals welcome improved monitoring through real-time pricing apps, but clearly that alone is not enough.

“The Premier needs to call on his Federal Counterparts to ensure the ACCC has the resources to identify and penalise those doing the wrong thing.

“If drivers are being taken for a ride, then the retailers found to be profiteering should be named and shamed.”