FuelWatch WA: Consumer Protection servo blitz catches shocking number of outlets breaching compliance rules

A disturbing number of WA service stations have been caught breaching the State’s fuel compliance rules as motorists feel the pain of price hikes.

Despite the Cook Government’s swift crackdown on transparency — forcing all outlets to report their availability and prices to FuelWatch a day in advance and remain at that price for 24 hours — infringements continue to be dished out.

And a quadruple increase on fines from $1000 to $4000 has done little to deter the sneaky servos.

The watchdog said its scrutiny of fuel stations had increased since war broke out in the Middle East, pushing prices up.

“Since the start of the Middle East conflict, Consumer Protection has significantly increased inspections at fuel outlets across Western Australia,” a Consumer Protection statement read.

“As part of a targeted program that began on March 9 2026, officers have visited 645 outlets — 445 in the metropolitan area and 200 in regional WA.”

West Aussies’ are still getting stung at the bowser despite the fuel excise cut that came into effect on April 1, forcing FuelWatch to ramp up spot checks at outlets across the State.

Public tip-offs have played a crucial role in the State’s servo clamp down, helping catch a staggering 26 stations breaking transparency rules.

“In addition to the proactive inspections, Consumer Protection has received 23 enquiries and 28 complaints from the public about potential breaches of the 24-hour rule,” the statement said.

“As a result of these inspections and public reports, 26 infringement notices have been issued for breaches of the 24-hour rule since February 28 2026.”

If taken to court, penalties can reach up to $20,000 for an individual or up to $100,000 for a body corporate for serious or repeat breaches.

Of the 26 infringement notices issued by Consumer Protection, a handful are being investigated further.

“There are currently four investigations underway, meaning four fuel outlets are subject to further investigative and enforcement action,” the statement said.

Price gouging isn’t the only thing in the watchdog’s sights.

“Not all of them are for selling at a higher price,” Consumer Protection WA Commissioner Trish Blake previously told The West Australian.

“They have to list a price board... (it can be) nothing more than a blackboard with some chalk prices on it, we’re not fancy. We don’t expect anything major, that’s all we ask for.

“Then we’ve got a couple of investigations on which will likely result in court action instead of an infringement notice, because this is where we might be seeing slightly more egregious behaviour, or where we’re seeing repeat behaviour.”

The price of ULP across the metropolitan area on Wednesday was an average of 227.4c per litre, while diesel was 318c per litre.