The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will not launch an inquiry into Melton fuel prices, with the response disappointing a local MP.
Melton MP Steve McGhie wrote to the ACCC twice calling for it to investigate fuel prices in Melton.
Mr McGhie also commissioned an independent report into Melton’s fuel prices and has raised the issue in state parliament on a number of occasions.
In a response to Mr McGhie, seen by Star Weekly, ACCC interim chief executive Sarah Proudfoot said the ACCC does “not propose to undertake” an inquiry into Melton fuel prices at this time due to limited resources in the context of agency-wide “enforcement and compliance priorities”, and the request requiring “dedicated resourcing to be reallocated from other priority areas”.
Mr McGhie said he was disappointed by the ACCC’s response.
“If you suspect you’re being ripped off at the pump, I encourage you to share your experience directly with the ACCC … community input can help build the case for stronger action,” he said.
Melton resident and Melton Fuel Group data analyst Jordon Mizzi said a lot of data research his community group has performed revealed that areas with independent retailers have cheaper fuel prices.
Mr Mizzi said he feels there is “a bit of scepticism about the efficiency of the ACCC due to its lack of action”.
An ACCC spokesperson said the commission is “aware that at times fuel prices have generally been higher in Melton than in surrounding areas”, however, “higher fuel prices are not against the law unless there is evidence of behaviour such as collusion in setting prices”.
“Where information is available to us indicating that a breach of competition or consumer laws may have occurred, we can investigate specific concerns about potentially illegal anti-competitive behaviour in fuel retailing, and we can take action,” the spokesperson said.
“The lack of price competition from independent fuel retailers appears a key factor influencing price outcomes in Melton.”
Star Weekly understands that a planning application for an independent service station at 136-144 Coburns Road, Melton was submitted to Melton council April 25, with the site sold by Pear Real Estate agency.
A council spokesperson said the application is currently under assessment.
