Victorian motorists are being given a clearer view of fuel price disparities, with an update to the Service Victoria app now highlighting the most expensive service stations in real time.

The change expands the app’s existing fuel comparison tool, which previously focused on identifying the cheapest petrol outlets. Now, it also draws attention to the highest-priced sites, effectively “naming and shaming” retailers charging significantly more than nearby competitors.

Under the update, the app’s Servo Saver feature marks the most expensive stations with a red outline and a “highest” label, making them easy to spot on the map, reports Yahoo News Australia. Cheaper options continue to be flagged in green, allowing users to compare pricing at a glance.

Fuel pump bowser
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The move comes amid growing concern about fuel price inconsistencies across metropolitan and regional areas. In some cases, motorists are facing substantial price gaps between neighbouring stations. Recent examples show diesel reaching as high as $4.00 per litre at one Melbourne outlet, while unleaded petrol has been listed at $3.50 per litre at another – well above nearby alternatives offering significantly lower prices.

Authorities have also increased enforcement around fuel price reporting. Since early March, more than 25 retailers have been fined for failing to comply with requirements to accurately report fuel prices, with penalties totalling over $80,000.

In Victoria, fuel retailers are required to submit up-to-date pricing data and adhere to daily pricing rules designed to improve transparency for consumers. The app relies on this information to provide accurate, location-based comparisons.

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The addition of a “highest price” marker is intended to give motorists more context when choosing where to refuel, particularly during periods of volatility. By making pricing differences more visible, the feature may also encourage greater competition between retailers.

While fuel price cycles remain influenced by broader market factors, the updated app highlights just how wide the gap between the cheapest and most expensive servos can be – sometimes within the same suburb.