PETROL prices soared throughout the Gawler region over the past fortnight, with some unleaded figures reaching as high as $1.73 per litre.

As of Tuesday, petrol stations on Murray Street had dropped their numbers slightly to $1.69 per litre.

According to RAA spokesperson Mark de Laine, the fuel spike started on the Labor Day long weekend and was all part of the “petrol pricing cycle.”

“(However), recent data shows petrol prices are spiking by a greater extent this year compared to previous years,” he said.

“According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), there is no correlation between the timing of price spikes and public holiday long weekends.”

“The ACCC says fuel prices can go up and down due to a combination of factors, including changes in international benchmark prices, the value of the Australian dollar relative to the US dollar, levels of competition in different areas, and pricing decisions by wholesalers and retailers.”

Despite that, Mr de Laine has pushed motorists to look for the better deals.

“Bowser prices are set by the fuel retail market and fluctuate according to the price cycle,” he said.

“However, we encourage motorists to shop around and promote competition amongst fuel retailers.”

He also urged the State Government to recommit to its plan with the RAA to develop an online real-time fuel pricing app.

“This is why it’s important the State Government fulfils its commitment to introduce mandatory real-time fuel pricing information, to help motorists find the cheapest prices available,” Mr de
Laine said.

The government abandoned the plans in early April after committing to helping develop the real-time fuel pricing app prior to the election.