The Brisbane Times reports that within six months, drivers in Kunzhou will receive real-time oil price information on their smartphones. The state government has confirmed that it started a two-year trial this year.
Starting in December, real-time oil prices will be updated on existing software and websites within 10 minutes of the gas station price change.
Oil prices in Brisbane rose 7.4% in the second quarter, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Oil prices have risen 16.6% over the past year.
Kunzhou Energy Director Anthony Lynham said oil prices will be posted on existing mobile software and websites, including Motormouth,GasBuddy,PetrolSpy,RACQ and Compare the Market.
"our goal is to give Kunzhou drivers the best choice to use their purchasing power to support retailers who do the right thing. This trial, in fact, is to hand over power to the consumer audience. Retailers have three months to adapt. "by Easter holiday, these retailers will face fines if they do not report their oil prices accurately and in a timely manner."
Lynham said the system has built-in protection against inaccurate or misleading pricing.
"Parasek government has always been committed to developing a less complex pattern, which has no effect, and will push up prices. Unlike LNP's plan, the system will be very effective and will not compete with private companies' own oil-price software or websites.
Earlier this year, Governor Parasek said she had no plans to implement real-time oil-price software or websites, and called on the national consumer rights agency to take the lead in addressing the problem.
LNP had called for real-time monitoring of oil prices and said it would do so if it won the 2020 state government election.
LNP party chieftain Deb Frecklington said she was disappointed that Kunzhou drivers would have to wait another five months for the trial to begin.
"I am glad that in the end the Labour Party adopted the LNP's oil price monitoring policy. But it is disappointing that drivers will have to wait five months. And retailers will not have to comply with pilot rules until next April. It's been 16 months since I called for oil prices to be monitored. The government put the fuel company in front of the driver. Many Kunzhou people are still struggling with the cost of oil and the bills, and they need help. "
Rebecca Michael, director of public policy at RACQ, said the trial would save drivers money. " Oil is one of the biggest expenses of the Kunzhou people. That's why we've been calling for government to release real-time oil price information for each gas station. This is a win-win situation for drivers and retailers who offer cheap fuel. Drivers can now finally find the best option to support competitive gas stations. We know that some retailers will still choose not to compete at these low-cost gas stations, but drivers can also choose to support the cheapest gas station business. "by listening to RACQ's advice on when to refuel, and using software to find the cheapest gas stations, we will use everyone's power to strengthen competition and bring oil prices down."