The RACQ has called out major fuel retailers for pumping up their prices, saying the conflict in the Middle East should not be to blame.
Queensland’s peak motoring body has referred fuel companies to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for investigation.
The highest price for regular unleaded in South-East Queensland was 213.9 cents per litre (cpl) at 9am yesterday (March 3, 2026), but by 10am, around 40 sites had hiked their prices to 219.9 cpl.
By 9am today (March 4) 259 sites (45 percent) had followed.
RACQ Principal Economic and Affordability Specialist Dr Ian Jeffreys said the jump in price was unjustified and took advantage of motorists.
“There is no good reason for fuel companies to be increasing their prices just days after conflict broke out in the region,” Dr Jeffreys said in a statement.
“Yes, we’ve seen an increase in the global oil price, but that usually takes around two weeks to flow through to bowsers here in Australia – not two days.
“While we’ve seen a steady uptick in wholesale prices over the past week, we’re yet to see any significant additional spike because of the conflict.”
Dr Jeffreys said the RACQ was calling on the ACCC watchdog to investigate fuel stations for unconscionable conduct, and for fuel companies to “do the right thing” and lower their prices.
RACQ’s Annual Fuel Price Reports show Brisbane motorists pay more for unleaded petrol than drivers in any other Australian capital.
Brisbane’s 2025 average for regular unleaded was 185.2cpl, nearly 11 cents more than Perth’s average at 174.3cpl.
