MOTORISTS are being stung at the bowser this week, with unleaded petrol prices soaring as high as 175.9 cents per litre across parts of the Redlands.
Ampol and 7-Eleven at Cleveland were charging 175.9 cents per litre for unleaded petrol on Wednesday afternoon, but motorists were still willing to fill their tanks.
Service stations at Alexandra Hills were charging the same price, while there was slightly better value at Redland Bay (174.9), Mount Cotton (173.9), Wellington Point (171.9) and Birkdale (170.9).
That was more than drivers were being slugged in other parts of the south-east, with unleaded going for 159.9 cents per litre at one Jimboomba retailer, 169.9 cents at Logan Village and 149.9 cents at Beaudesert.
Drivers are being urged to avoid filling up, with more than 80 per cent of service stations across Brisbane and Gold Coast slugging motorists 170 cents per litre and above for unleaded fuel.
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RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said the daily average price in Brisbane and the Gold Coast had exceeded all-time record highs recorded in December 2019.
"It's caused by a triple whammy," she said. "We're at the high point in the fuel cycle in south-east Queensland, oil prices are at a two year high and retailers have retained unreasonably high retail margins.
"During the pandemic, servos had high indicative retail margins because so many people weren't driving so fuel sales volumes were low.
"But now sales are back to normal the fact they're still charging these exorbitant prices is frankly unfair."
Ms Smith urged motorists to consider price comparison apps to seek out cheaper fuel during periods of expensive prices.
"Even if it is only a few cents cheaper it's worth it, because it encourages those competitive retailers to keep their prices down," she said.
"If you're unable to find a better deal in your area then top up for now to get you through until the next cheap phase, which could take up to three weeks."
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