A report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has revealed Coles Express is charging motorists, on average, more for their petrol than any other retailer.
Following a request last year by Treasurer Scott Morrison, the ACCC began to investigate pricing within the petrol industry.
The report showed that Coles is charging up to nine cents a litre more in capital cities than independent retailer, 9news.com.au reported.
It also averages four cents per litre more than Woolworths.
ACCC Chairman Rod Sims told News Corp: “I was surprised that Coles and BP would be that much higher priced than Woolworths, 7-Eleven and United”.
“Those differences are huge — we are talking up to 9c/L,” Mr Sims said.
A spokesperson for Coles defended the company: “In addition to the 4c-per-litre discount voucher received when spending at least $30 in Coles supermarkets, customers can save 10c per litre by spending a minimum $20 in Coles Express stores”.
“The discounts can be used separately or combined to save a total of 14c per litre,” the spokesperson said.
According to 9news.com.au, in Sydney, Speedway petrol stations are the cheapest and in Melbourne it is United, 7-Eleven, Woolworths and smaller independents all charged below the average of $1.28.
“Adjusting buying habits can save motorists a lot of money,” Mr Sims said.