Thousands of South Australians are expected to take to the roads this long weekend, but fuel retailers are also under scrutiny as the State Government launches a statewide compliance operation aimed at keeping fuel price reporting accurate.

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) inspectors will conduct more than 200 inspections across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia over the next week, checking whether service stations are complying with the state’s real-time fuel pricing laws.

Under the Fuel Price Transparency Scheme, retailers are required to update any changes to fuel prices or fuel availability within 30 minutes. The system is designed to provide motorists with accurate information through fuel price comparison apps and websites, helping them find the cheapest fuel before filling up.

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The inspection program will cover a broad area of the state, including Adelaide, the Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Riverland, Limestone Coast and West Coast regions.

According to data from the RAA, motorists who regularly use real-time fuel pricing tools save an average of $117 per year, with total savings across South Australia estimated at around $58 million annually.

Consumer Affairs Minister Michael Brown said access to accurate fuel pricing information remains crucial for motorists looking to reduce household expenses.

“Getting the best price at the pump is about knowing where to look. Real-time apps bring South Australians the cheapest petrol at their fingertips,” Brown said.

Authorities have already increased enforcement activity this year following volatility in global fuel markets linked to conflict in the Middle East. Since the conflict began, CBS has investigated almost 400 complaints and carried out around 800 service station inspections. Those investigations have resulted in 22 fines worth more than $12,000 and a further 18 written warnings.

Brown said the government intends to strengthen enforcement even further.

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“Since the Middle East conflict began this year, we have investigated nearly 400 complaints and 800 inspections at South Australian service stations, resulting in 22 fines totalling over $12,000 and 18 written warnings,” he said.

“The Malinauskas Government is cracking down. We are doubling our compliance officers and raising fines to $5,000 per offence. This blitz is a clear warning to service station operators: do the right thing or face the consequences.”

Proposed legislative changes currently before State Parliament would increase on-the-spot penalties from $550 to as much as $5,000, while maximum court-imposed fines would rise from $10,000 to $20,000.