In a somewhat surprising incidence of a manufacturer not just listening to feedback, but taking it onboard and then acting on it, Ferrari is offering to retrofit its unpopular steering wheels with haptic controls.
Customer feedback – and that of testers around the world – indicated that Ferrari’s haptic controls were too easy to brush past while driving, and therefore hit a control you hadn’t meant to touch, reports Motor1. WhichCar by Wheels has done it numerous times while testing otherwise sensational Ferrari cars. In the case of the 2027 Ferrari Amalfi – a refreshed version of the Roma – it will go on sale with traditional switchgear, reverting back from the Roma, which featured the haptic controls.
Ferrari knows how to build cars – just ask anyone representing the brand and they will tell you. Evidently, Ferrari also likes to remind journalists that it also knows what its customers want – usually with deep clarity. That’s why the recent decision to effectively admit fault, listen to the strong feedback from customers and then act swiftly on it, is all the more surprising.
Owners lucky enough to park either a 12 Cilindri or Purosangue (below) in their garages can now have a steering wheel retro fitted by Ferrari, that removes the contentious haptic controls that came standard on the steering wheel. A spokesperson for Ferrari also told Car and Driver that the programme would extend to 296 GTB, 296 GTS and the Roma Spider.
Motor1 spotted an Instagram post from Ferrari of Atlanta noting the change, with the new design swapping out all haptic controls on the steering wheel for regular buttons, except for the start/stop button, which will retain its haptic design.
WhichCar by Wheels contacted Ferrari Australia to find out what this means for Australian customers. “The Ferrari steering wheel retrofit is a client-driven optional solution that reflects Ferrari’s commitment to listening to its customers,” Ferrari Australasia Communications Manager Ryan Lewis told us.
“Over time, a preference was expressed for physical, tactile steering-wheel controls rather than touch commands. Ferrari invested in the development effort required to engineer, validate and industrialise a retrofit alternative in response to this feedback. The solution is now available in Europe as a voluntary option for clients who wish to adopt a different interface. Subsequent regions, including Australia and New Zealand, will follow.”
One fault of modern cars is that some don’t offer a level of connection with the driver that many of their predecessors used to and as such, finding non-performance cars that are satisfying for keener drivers is difficult. That’s especially true with the influx of SUV models, which can exacerbate the problem thanks to their higher centres of gravity and carrying more weight.
Thankfully for some, there are some small SUV options that drive as nimbly and responsively as cars. Here’s the WhichCar by Wheels guide to five of the best:
Mazda CX-3
Price: From $30,670 plus on-road costs
Drivetrains: 110kW 2.0-litre petrol, six-speed auto, FWD
With the dynamic Ford Puma no longer sold in Australia, the Mazda CX-3 has taken over as the most car-like small SUV to drive. Of course, it’s not the newest kid on the block – in fact, it’s over a decade old, but that means that unlike a lot of its competition, its steering actually offers feel and its chassis is sharp. Its ride quality is also sharp – it could be a bit softer in urban driving – but it’s quite fun to drive, like the Mazda2 on which it’s based. The CX-3 doesn’t score well for practicality, but if you’re after a non-performance small SUV that still rewards the driver, it should be at the top of your list.
Mazda CX-30
Price: From $34,360 plus on-road costs
Drivetrains: 114kW 2.0-litre or 139kW 2.5-litre petrols, six-speed auto, 2WD (2.0L) or AWD (optional on 2.5L)
Take what we said above about the CX-3 and also apply it to the slightly larger CX-30, though add a touch of extra comfort at the slight expense of driving fun. Like the Mazda3 with which it shares so much, the CX-30 is great to drive with a communicative chassis, keen steering and revvy petrol engine. In addition, the CX-30’s quality is excellent with luxury-like materials throughout the cabin and even in the base model Pure, a long list of standard features.
Toyota C-HR
Price: From $46,940 plus on-road costs
Drivetrains: 103kW 1.8-litre hybrid or 146kW 2.0-litre hybrid, eCVT, FWD (1.8L) or AWD (2.0L)
Believe it or not, the previous C-HR was actually one of the first Toyota products that was developed with a newfound sense of dynamism for the Toyota brand. That was largely thanks to the then-new ‘TNGA’ platform, which the C-HR was the first SUV to use. It meant that even a base model Toyota small SUV was far more dynamic than you’d ever have expected. The second-generation C-HR is even better thanks to more power to compliment the excellent chassis and yet, it’s also very comfortable, as you’d expect from a Toyota.
Kia Stonic
Price: From $28,180 plus on-road costs
Drivetrains: 88kW 1.0-litre turbo mild-hybrid, seven-speed dual-clutch, FWD
The Stonic is heavily based on the last-generation Rio hatchback, which was a tidy car to punt around, and that shows in the driving experience. Of course, the Stonic is slightly higher off the ground but it’s still a comfortable and fun car to drive. Kia’s local tuning operation has achieved impressive results – all of its products drive quite well, and the Stonic is no different as it’s nimble and fun. The new mild-hybrid drivetrain also makes more grunt than before, so it now has more performance to better match its fine chassis.
Toyota Yaris Cross
Price: From $31,790 plus on-road costs
Drivetrains: 85kW 1.5-litre hybrid, eCVT, FWD or AWD
Like its C-HR sibling above, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a small SUV that drives like a car but it’s actually not overly sporty. Instead, like the Yaris hatchback, it’s quite comfortable and handles bad roads with ease. That’s not to say that it can’t be fun to drive – it can – but performance is not its purpose, even the sporty-looking GR Sport model. Surprisingly, all-wheel drive is available and it adds a more sophisticated, independent multi-link layout for even better ride quality. The Yaris Cross’ 85kW hybrid drivetrain is hardly going to set the world alight for performance, but its sub-4.0L/100km combined fuel consumption is impressively low.
BMW has unveiled its first fully electric 3 Series, revealing the new i3 sedan as part of its next-generation Neue Klasse platform.
Shown in Munich, the i3 marks a significant shift for one of BMW’s most recognisable nameplates, translating the traditional compact executive sedan into a fully electric format. It follows the recently revealed iX3 SUV as the second model built on the Neue Klasse architecture, which underpins BMW’s next wave of EVs.
Despite the change in powertrain, BMW is positioning the i3 as a continuation of the 3 Series formula. The new model retains familiar proportions, including a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a rearward-sloping roofline, while adopting a more modern, simplified exterior design. The front end blends BMW’s signature grille and headlight layout into a single lighting element, while flared wheel arches and a wide stance aim to preserve the car’s sporting identity.
Under the skin, the i3 introduces BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, including an 800-volt electrical system designed to improve both efficiency and charging performance. According to details reported by Auto Express, the i3 is capable of delivering up to 900km of driving range under WLTP testing, placing it among the longest-range electric sedans currently announced.
Charging capability is another headline figure. The i3 supports DC fast charging at rates of up to 400kW, with BMW claiming it can add around 400km of range in as little as 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
The launch model, badged i3 50 xDrive, uses a dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive. Total system output is rated at 345kW and 645Nm, positioning it firmly in performance sedan territory. BMW has also introduced a new electronic architecture centred around what it calls the “Heart of Joy” control unit, which manages power delivery, braking and handling responses with significantly faster processing speeds than previous systems.
Inside, the i3 adopts BMW’s latest interface, including a wide panoramic display and a reworked driver-focused layout. The cabin has been designed to take advantage of the flat-floor EV platform, offering increased interior space compared with previous 3 Series models.
Production of the new i3 will take place at BMW’s Munich plant, which is currently being upgraded to support Neue Klasse vehicles. Manufacturing is scheduled to begin in August 2026, with the facility set to transition بالكامل to electric vehicle production by 2027.
Australian deliveries are expected to follow in early 2027, marking the first time a fully electric 3 Series will be offered locally.
US tuner Hennessey has revealed its next production vehicle. Dubbed the Goliath 700 ZR2, its new creation is based on the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 truck but has received a comprehensive upgrade, including a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine making a massive 515kW of power (or 700 brake horsepower, hence the 700 in the name). Limited to just 100 units and factory-backed by Chevrolet, the Hennessey Goliath 700 is now available to order in the US.
Centre of the Hennessey transformation is the 6.2-litre V8 engine with a twin-screw supercharger with air-to-water intercooling and Hennessey engine management calibration, which has boosted power by 66 per cent to 515kW and torque has climbed to 830Nm from the stock 624Nm. The added performance allows the Goliath 700 ZR2 to sprint to 97km/h (60mph) in just 4.2 seconds, or 1.4 seconds quicker than a stock Silverado.
Hennessey has also paid attention to the ZR2’s chassis to cope with the extra power, with upgraded BDS suspension and Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers now fitted to “improve control, stability and driver confidence”, according to Hennessey. There are also new 20-inch alloy off-road wheels with 35-inch off-road tyres and a stainless steel catback exhaust system with black exhaust tips.
Other exterior upgrades for the Goliath 700 ZR2 include steel front and rear bumpers, a 40-inch integrated LED light bar, a skid plate, carbon fibre bonnet and tailgate appliques and, of course, Hennessey badging.
The interior of the Goliath 700 ZR2 also sees some changes, with branded embroidered floor mats and headrests featuring, as well as a numbered plaque.
The Hennessey transformation also includes professional installation, chassis dyno and road testing, electronic power running boards and because it’s factory backed, the standard three-year/36,000 mile Chevrolet warranty.
Alex Roys, President of Hennessey: “The Hennessey Goliath 700 ZR2 is designed for customers
who want extreme power and capability without compromising on usability and comfort. We deliver
performance dominance and heaps of presence by combining powertrain and chassis upgrades with
comprehensive exterior and interior styling enhancements. We’ve created a truck with purpose that feels just as confident on the highway as it does tackling challenging terrain.”
US pricing for the Goliath 700 ZR2 starts at $139,950 (A$197,000) and just 100 units will be produced.
A new apartment building in Melbourne is now Australia’s largest EV-enabled thanks to the installation of more than 250 EV charging points. NOX Energy and Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen launched Australia’s largest EV-enabled building at Sierra Hawthorn.
Access to charging points is one of the largest barriers to EV ownership in Australia, and this latest project gives hope for apartment dwellers who wish to own and run an electric vehicle.
Comprising 241 residential apartments and five commercial tenancies, the building now has NOX Energy power sockets to support EV charging across the building. As a result, every resident now has access to 10A/2.4kW EV charging directly from their allocated parking space.
The installation also includes 10 additional power socket units and a 22kW MSI charger for commercial tenants.
Each of the new charging points is estimated to save residents around $2000 per year in fuel costs compared with running a petrol vehicle, with the cost of the charge point estimated to be recovered within 12 months.
“Electric vehicles are cheaper to run, better for the environment and quieter on our streets, but for too many apartment residents charging has been a barrier,” Mr Bowen said. “The 251 EV chargers installed here make this the largest EV-enabled building in Australia and among the largest globally. Charging at home is the cheapest and easiest way to power an EV, and this rollout helps make that possible for more people.”
The installation is part of the “Accelerating EV Adoption: Unlocking EVs for Strata Residents” project, which supports the deployment of 2000 EV charging devices across Australian strata buildings. This project includes funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through the Driving the Nation initiative, which aims to accelerate electric vehicle adoption nationwide.
A mooted new tax in the United States reflects a divisive argument currently taking shape in Australian politics – a road user charge for EV owners.
Currently, in Australia, owners of ICE vehicles pay 52.6 cents per litre in fuel excise, every time they fill their vehicles with diesel or petrol. The recognised average distance covered by Australians each year is generally accepted to be around the 13,000km to 14,000km mark. If they own a vehicle that uses 9.0L/100km, and they travel 14,000km, that means they’ve used 1260 litres of fuel. At the current rate, that equates to a fuel excise bill of $662.76.
If you’re driving an electric vehicle in Australia, you’ve paid no fuel excise or road user charge of any kind. That’s despite EVs using the same roads, and invariably weighing more than a comparable ICE vehicles in the same segment, and therefore leaving more wear on the road.
Regardless of the ideological stance taken, that’s unsustainable if sales of EVs get even close to what the government would like them to be in the next five to 10 years.
Given the hole that would leave in the budget, governments will be forced to find an alternative way, taking into account the fact that a large chunk of the fuel excise is directed back into the maintenance and running of the roads.
The state of Victoria tried to implement a road user tax in 2025, but it was overturned, effectively because the fuel excise – and any tax like it – is a federal issue, not state. One of the arguments consistently put forward against a road user tax is that it unfairly targets those who travel further to get to work, but that argument misses the basic fact that those drivers already pay more fuel excise if they travel a longer distance.
It would seem clear, then, that if sales of EVs were to reach even 20 percent of all new vehicles sales, let alone 30 or 40 percent, the federal government will have to find a way of plugging what will be a significant hole in the budget.
Politicians in the United States are starting to tackle the issue, something not yet broached federally in Australia. As reported by Reuters, chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Representative Sam Graves, said on Wednesday that he’d proposed a new fee for EV owners – $250 ($350AUD) for fully electric and $100 ($141AUD) for hybrids – to be paid annually.
Representative Graves said that his version of the bill would generate up to $550 billion USD to be used to fund highways and bridges, according to the report in Reuters. “We would like to get money from EVs,” Graves said. Some states in the US do charge fees for EVs to cover road repair costs, but Reuters reports that ‘most revenue for federally funded road repairs is collected through diesel and gasoline taxes’.
If sales of EVs grow steadily in Australia over the next five to ten years, politicians will need to confront an issue they seem currently unwilling to debate – and it might be the financial hole that tips them over the edge.
Thanks to the US-Israeli war on Iran causing havoc to global fuel supplies, fuel prices in Australia are at an all-time high. As of today, 91 RON is sitting at most fuel stations in Sydney at around $2.20 per litre, with fuels like 95 RON and 98 RON premium unleaded priced closer to $2.50 per litre and above. That development obviously adds significantly to the transport costs of Australians, so how can you reduce your use? We’ve already covered the best EVs to switch to, but if electric cars aren’t the answer for you, the answer is a hybrid.
Hybrid drivetrains combine the best of both internal combustion and electric power, and can significantly lessen your fuel consumption as a result. While regular hybrids are unable to drive far on electric-only power, plug-in hybrids can thanks to their larger batteries, with some offering an EV range of up to 152km. Here’s the WhichCar by Wheels guide to the best hybrid vehicles on the market to dramatically cut fuel costs:
BYD Sealion 8
Price: From $56,990 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre turbo plug-in hybrid, up to 359kW/675Nm, 35.6kWh battery
Claimed combined fuel consumption: 1.0L/100km
EV range: Up to 152km (NEDC)
BYD‘s first seven-seater SUV in Australia is the Sealion 8 and it’s priced from $56,990 plus on-road costs, making it relatively inexpensive for a large seven-seat SUV. But the Sealion 8 is also a plug-in hybrid making up to a massive 359kW of power and can also travel up to 152km on electric power alone. Fully charged, it should use just 1.0L/100km of fuel. Add in its roomy cabin with quality materials, seating for up to seven, long standard equipment list and pleasant driving experience and we think it’s a great option to reduce fuel costs for those seeking a large family SUV.
Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid
Price: From $39,990 driveaway
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre turbo plug-in hybrid, up to 255kW/525Nm, 18.4kWh battery
Claimed combined fuel consumption: 1.4L/100km
EV range: 93km (NEDC)
When the Chery Tiggo 7 SHS launched in 2025, Chery‘s 1200km total range claim was impressive and now that fuel prices are higher and efficiency is an even greater consideration for buyers, it’s come into sharper focus. Using a 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid drivetrain making up to 255kW of power, the Tiggo 7 SHS’s 18.4kWh gives a claimed electric driving range of 93km and combined fuel consumption of just 1.4L/100km (if charged). Pricing starts at just $39,990 driveaway, though Chery has it available for just $34,990 at the time of writing, making it one to consider to lessen costs.
Honda HR-V e:HEV
Price: From $39,900 driveaway
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre hybrid, 96kW/253Nm
Claimed combined fuel consumption: 4.3L/100km
The Honda HR-V e:HEV hybrid is one of the best small SUVs you can buy, and with combined fuel consumption of just 4.3L/100km, it’s also one of the cheapest to run. Using a peppy 1.5-litre hybrid drivetrain making 96kW of power, the HR-V hybrid is also more than grunty enough for city driving. It’s also extremely practical thanks to Honda‘s Magic Seats system, drives well and is also well equipped with quality materials.
Honda Civic
Price: From $49,900 driveaway
Drivetrain: 2.0-litre hybrid, 135kW/335Nm
Claimed combined fuel consumption: 4.2L/100km
A roomy cabin, huge boot, punchy 2.0-litre hybrid capable of just 4.2L/100km combined fuel consumption and an excellent driving experience sum up the Honda Civic, going some way to explaining why it won 2025-26 Wheels Car of the Year. It’s a truly great car and in this context, has more than enough potential to cut your fuel bills significantly. In purely urban driving, the hybrid system uses under 4L/100km of fuel, but it’s also got more than enough grunt for all scenarios.
Kia Sportage
Price: From $44,450 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid, 173kW/367Nm
Claimed combined fuel consumption: 4.9L/100km (2WD) – 5.3L/100km (AWD)
You may not know it, but the Kia Sportage actually offers the widest range of drivetrains in the mid-size SUV segment with petrol, turbo-petrol, turbo-diesel and turbo-hybrids on offer, but we think the hybrid is the best of the bunch. Rated from just 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle, the Sportage hybrid is quite fuel efficient, but making 173kW of power, it’s also quite punchy. That’s in addition to the Sportage’s usual traits like sold value for money, long equipment lists and a great driving experience.
Kia Sorento
Price: $56,630 plus on-road costs (hybrid), $71,130 plus on-road costs (plug-in hybrid)
Drivetrain: 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid, 169kW/350Nm – 1.6-litre turbo plug-in hybrid, 195kW/350Nm
Claimed combined fuel consumption: 1.6L/100km (PHEV), 5.4L/100km (hybrid 2WD), 5.6L/100km (hybrid AWD)
EV range (PHEV): 68km (NEDC)
We’re big fans of the Kia Sorento and that’s because it’s a really great large SUV thanks to its keen value, excellent driving dynamics, spacious cabin and availability of not just one, but two hybrid drivetrains. The 169kW 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid is a big seller in the Sorento range offering combined fuel consumption from just 5.4L/100km, but there’s also the plug-in hybrid that’s capable of travelling 68km electrically and combined fuel consumption of just 1.6L/100km (if charged).
Geely Starray EM-i
Price: From $37,490 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid, 193kW, 18.4kWh battery
Claimed combined fuel consumption: 2.4L/100km
EV range: 83km
Geely’s Starray only entered the Australian market in 2025 but it’s already selling well, and that’s because of its excellent value equation but also its impressive 83km electric-only range and combined fuel consumption of only 2.4L/100km (if fully charged). The Starray is also very well equipped, practical, handsome to look at and its cabin quality is excellent, too. Like all PHEVs, if you charge the Starray regularly, it has the potential to significantly lessen your fuel bills.
Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid
Price: From $33,250 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 1.6-litre hybrid, 104kW/265Nm
Claimed combined fuel consumption: 3.9L/100km
Like the Civic, the Hyundai i30 Sedan hybrid proves that you don’t need an SUV for a practical family car. Prices start at just $33,250 +ORC, which is less than the equivalent Kona hybrid small SUV, and the i30 Sedan hybrid is also very fuel efficient, rated at just 3.9L/100km. In addition to that, it’s very roomy for a small sedan, and it’s also quite well equipped across the range.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Price: From $42,850 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid, 172kW/367Nm
Claimed combined fuel consumption: 5.3L/100km
The Hyundai Tucson won the 2025 Wheels’ Best Medium SUV award and it’s still a strong all-rounder that’s capable of lessening your fuel bills significantly. Both excellent 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid and underwhelming 2.0-litre petrol drivetrains are on offer in the Tucson range, but the hybrid is undoubtedly the better choice in the range. Rated at just 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle, the hybrid is not only a lot more efficient, but it’s also far gruntier than the petrol engine also offered. The Tucson hybrid is one of the best medium SUVs currently available.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Price: From $45,990 plus on-road costs (PHEV from $58,840 +ORC)
Drivetrain: 143kW 2.5-litre hybrid or 200kW (2WD)/227kW (AWD) plug-in hybrid, 22.7kWh battery (PHEV)
Claimed combined fuel consumption: TBC, but expected to be under 5L/100km
EV range (PHEV): 100km (est.)
Last but not least, a vehicle you should be considering to lessen your fuel costs is the new Toyota RAV4. Over 50,000 people in 2025 in Australia alone bought one as its excellent fuel efficiency is a big drawcard for mid-size SUV shoppers. For the first time in Australia, the plug-in hybrid will be offered from the third quarter of 2026 offering a “targeted” range of 100km, with full specifications yet to be confirmed. Pricing for the new model is higher, starting at $45,990 +ORC and from $58,840 +ORC for the PHEV, but it’s received a big boost in in-car technology compared to the old model.
Toyota Australia has issued a recall for 34,377 Klugers built between 2021 and 2023 – notifying on March 6, 2006 of a fault in the mechanism for the second-row seats. “The subject vehicles are equipped with second row seats that use recliner assemblies to unlock the seat backs, allow for seat angle adjustment and lock the seat back in place once adjustment is complete,” the recall notice reads.
Klugers built between March 31, 2021 and November 10, 2023 are affected. “Due to a failure to consider the force balance between the locking spring and the return spring during a design change made by the supplier, a combination of recliner return spring orientation and outer clearance between the recliner guide and ratchet may cause the recliner teeth to not fully engage during seat back adjustment,” the notice continues.
A list of the affected vehicles can be found in the link in this story, and Toyota says rectification work will take approximately one hour. Owners are asked to remove child safety seats before taking their Kluger in to be fixed. Toyota also said it will contact owners to have the seat return springs replaced free of charge, but they can continue to drive their Kluger in the meantime.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is affected, Toyota advises Kluger owners to contact the Toyota Recall Campaign Helpline on 1800 987 366, Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 6:00pm.
What started as an April Fools’ Day joke has now turned into reality. Earning over 1.6 million views, BMW’s 2025 April Fools’ post of its ‘racing wagon’ is actually being realised with the brand’s unveiling of the M3 Touring 24H.
What’s more, BMW that the M3 Touring will be entering the Nurburgring 24-hour race in May.
Essentially a rebodied version of BMW’s successful M4 GT3 EVO race car, the M3 Touring 24H is 200mm longer and 32mm taller than the coupe. It’s an obviously different shape to the coupe, too, presenting a challenge for aerodynamics, but BMW designed a huge new rear spoiler for the carbon fibre reinforced plastic body. The M3 Touring 24H is also fitted with a roll cage and non-functional rear doors.
It uses the same 440kW/700Nm 3.0-litre turbo-six engine and six-speed sequential gearbox as the M4 GT3 EVO, and will be driven by Schubert Motorsport in the SPX class in the race. Its drivers will include Jens Klingmann, Ugo de Wilde, Connor De Phillippi, and Neil Verhagen.
Known as the “Green Hell”, the Nurburgring Nordschleife is one of the world’s toughest circuits, especially over 24 hours. Each lap is over 25km long and takes over eight minutes on average for the very fastest GT3 cars. In the 2025 race, the average speed for the fastest cars was a massive 188km/h.
It’s not the first time that a station wagon has been entered in motorsport either. The iconic Volvo 850 Estate was very successful in the British Touring Car Championship from 1994, while both Honda and Subaru also saw big success in the BTCC with wagons, with a Levorg winning the title in 2014.
The 2026 Nurburgring 24h race is scheduled to take place from May 14-17.
Australia’s competition watchdog has stepped up scrutiny of fuel retailers as petrol and diesel prices climb sharply, raising concerns about affordability and supply across parts of the country.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) confirmed it held an urgent meeting with major fuel suppliers, including Ampol, BP and Chevron, as prices at the bowser continue to rise and availability tightens in some regions.
The meeting comes as average petrol prices have jumped from around $1.80 per litre prior to the Trump administraton’s bombing campaign of Iran to roughly $2.20, while diesel has climbed even higher to about $2.45 per litre.
ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said the regulator had made it clear to fuel companies that pricing behaviour would be closely monitored, particularly given the pressure on households and businesses.
“We urged the fuel companies to be open and honest with consumers about the reasons for their pricing decisions,” Brakey said, noting the ACCC had received increasing complaints from motorists concerned about rapid price increases.
The watchdog has also sought explanations from retailers over the speed and scale of recent price rises, particularly in areas where supply disruptions have been reported.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the regulator would not hesitate to act if evidence of anti-competitive conduct emerged.
“If we find there is conduct that is collusive – for example agreements to set prices or divide up customers – we will investigate it and take action,” she said.
While the ACCC acknowledged that global factors, including volatility in international oil markets, are contributing to rising prices, it has urged retailers to clearly communicate those influences to consumers.
The issue is particularly acute in regional and rural areas, where both supply constraints and higher transport costs can exacerbate price pressures. Farmers and regional businesses are among those most affected, with some reporting difficulties accessing fuel altogether.
Cass-Gottlieb said transparency from suppliers would be critical in maintaining consumer trust during the current period of uncertainty.
The ACCC has indicated it will continue monitoring pricing behaviour in the coming weeks, signalling that further intervention remains possible if concerns around pricing practices or supply issues persist.
