WA FuelWatch: Pricing typo forces Perth fuel station to sell more expensive diesel than intended

A Cannington service station has been forced to advertise its diesel as the most expensive in the State after bureaucrats refused to fix a minor typo on FuelWatch.

On Monday, when entering it’s fuel price for the following day, Burk Fuel incorrectly set its diesel at $3.973/L instead of the planned $2.973/L.

The business didn’t catch the error until later in the day, and attempted to have it rectified by contacting the department but that was refused because it was past the 2pm deadline set by FuelWatch.

“Due to a genuine typographical error during our FuelWatch daily price submission, the diesel price for Burk Cannington was incorrectly reported,” Burk said in a statement.

“Despite this being an obvious mistake, FuelWatch has strictly refused to allow any correction and have clearly told us to sell diesel at the advertised error price.”

The company said the lack of discretion by the bureaucracy had left it with two options.

“Sell diesel at an extremely inflated and unrealistic price, or shut diesel completely for the day,” it said.

“Both options are complete unfair and do not serve the public in any way. It is extremely disappointing to see a government system act in such a rigid manner.”

To work around the error, Burk Cannington had to offer diesel customers a discount of $1.04 at the checkout.

The outlets unleaded petrol is the cheapest in Perth today with the price at $229.3/L.

A Consumer Protection spokesperson said it legally is prevented from altering FuelWatch’s 24-hour price lock.

The spokesperson said retailers can lodge their prices for next day from 8.30am, which can be corrected up until 2pm when the system will lock the prices in.

They commended Burk Cannington for offering a post-sale partial refund as a work around until the intended price can be lodged in the FuelWatch system.

Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti said the case could be looked at by the Minister for Commerce

“It’s very unfortunate … there’s certain rules governing Fuelwatch,” she said.

“I feel for that retailer, and I understand they’re trying to offer some rebates.”

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said “common sense should have prevailed”.

“This was clearly an operator error, and the system should allow simple corrections when mistakes happen,” he said.

“Instead, we’re seeing bureaucratic nonsense that helps no one — not small business operators and not motorists already dealing with rising fuel costs.

“Refusing to allow an obvious correction is petty and counterproductive. It hurts the business and does nothing for customers trying to manage a fuel crisis.”