The Victorian government has announced a $4.6 million fuel inspector task force as supply shortages worsen, with Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos emphasising enforcement of fuel pricing laws.
The task force will deploy 23 inspectors and a legal team to ensure petrol stations comply with the state’s daily fuel price cap reporting scheme, aimed at preventing price gouging during the crisis triggered by the Iran war.
“It will be a full-time team of 23.5 full-time equivalents who will have no other job but to ensure the 1678 service stations registered with Servo Saver are fully complying with our laws,” Staikos said.
He acknowledged resources would be redirected to support the initiative, adding: “This is the very nature of Consumer Affairs. It can scale up when needed.”
Premier Jacinta Allan said the government was increasing preparedness, including appointing a new energy controller to coordinate the response as supply pressures intensify.
The move comes as regional areas report fuel shortages and rationing, with opposition figures urging stronger action to guarantee supply, particularly for farmers and emergency services.
Meanwhile, the government is also working to secure diesel supplies for major infrastructure projects, with officials urging motorists to fill up “only when you need to” as the situation remains volatile.
Source: Herald Sun.
