Brisbane Fuel Price Hike Sparks Concern: RACQ Calls for Retailer Investigation
March 4, 2026
In a move that has raised eyebrows, the RACQ, Queensland's leading motoring organization, has taken a stand against what it perceives as unjustified fuel price increases in Brisbane. The organization's Dr. Ian Jeffreys has accused major petrol retailers of a coordinated price hike, occurring unexpectedly on Tuesday morning between 9 am and 10 am, without any apparent connection to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The situation is particularly striking as it contradicts the expected trend of decreasing prices. Jeffreys highlights that, as of Wednesday, 260 stations across Brisbane are charging a staggering $2.19 per liter for standard unleaded fuel, a significant jump from the 40 stations that did so on Tuesday.
This sudden price surge has not gone unnoticed. Jeffreys emphasizes that the fuel market in Brisbane has been stable for decades, with no supply issues or constraints. He questions the retailers' ability to absorb the increased costs, especially given the relatively stable oil market during the initial days of the Iran war.
The ACCC is now in the spotlight, as the RACQ refers the retailers for potential unconscionable conduct. Jeffreys suggests that similar price hikes have occurred on the Gold Coast, and he expresses concern about the impact on consumers. Despite predictions of prices reaching $3 per liter, Jeffreys reassures that such extreme increases are unlikely without unfair pricing practices.
The situation has sparked a broader conversation about market regulation. The RACQ had previously called for the Queensland government to limit price increases to 5 cents per day, a measure that could have prevented the recent price surge. The organization is now working with the government to model the potential impact of such regulations.
As the debate continues, consumers are left to ponder the reasons behind the sudden price hike. The question remains: Are these retailers exploiting the market, or is there a more complex explanation? The RACQ's intervention highlights the importance of consumer protection and the need for transparent pricing practices in the fuel industry.
