BY CAMERON TARAGEL
New legislation has been passed by the state government ensuring Hunter motorists aren't being ripped off at the bowser.
The Fair Trading Amendment Bill 2026 will extend NSW Fair Trading's prosecution power by making it illegal for service stations or fuel retailers to incorrectly report prices.
It also will make it illegal if retailers fail to notify customers if a type of fuel becomes unavailable.
Service stations which fail to uphold the new guidelines could receive on-the-spot penalties up to $3,300 with the fine rising to $11,000 if caught re-offending within 12 months.
The courts have also been given the power to impose stronger penalties of up to $110,000.
Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said current fuel price gouging is not acceptable.
"The compliance rate is about 95 per cent, but I say clearly to the remaining five per cent if you're thinking of doing the wrong thing by price gouging, my message is: don't," he said.
"Motorists should never accept a situation where they're being ripped off or where the price at the bowser is different to the one on FuelCheck."
NSW Fair Trading has now conducted nearly 5,000 inspections with over 290 fines being issued at a total value of more than $315,000.
Minister Chanthivong added the new power allows NSW Fair Trading to leave no stone unturned.
"You'll be caught and you will be fined, and we'll continue to crack down on servos doing the wrong thing," he said.
Hunter residents can find accurate fuel prices and report price mismatches by visiting FuelCheck.
