Elsie Adamo
WITH fuel prices sky-rocketing above $2 a litre, locals say they are feeling the pinch.
International pressure from Russia’s war on Ukraine has put pressure on oil prices worldwide, and the Limestone Coast is starting to feel the pinch.
Local resident Marion Keillor said prices had been “horrible”.
“We live 21 kilometres out of town, and we do not get rebates or anything on it,” Ms Keillor said.
“It is a big expense at the moment, and living where we do we have no choice but to drive everywhere.”
Raelene Grills said she was worried about the high cost of fuel making other items more expensive.
“Prices are absolutely ridiculous,” Ms Grills said.
“I am only on a pension, so small changes make a big difference.”
Fuel prices in Mount Gambier are currently more than 20 cents per litre lower than prices in Adelaide, but the RAA has warned prices here may start to match those in metropolitan areas.
Fuel expert and RAA Senior Manager of Mobility and Automotive Policy, Mark Borlace, said now is the time to buy before it goes higher.
“My advice would be that everyone should be filling up now,” Mr Borlace said.
“There is probably going to be some more price pressure over the next two or three weeks.”
As at Wednesday, unleaded 91 fuel prices in Adelaide averaged at about $2.21 per litre, $2.06 in Mount Gambier, $2.10 in Penola.
When fuel prices rise Mr Borlace said it affects those in the regions more than those in Adelaide.
“Regional people get hit a bit harder, as on average they travel an extra 15 per cent in distance each year, just from the nature of living in the regions,” Mr Borlace said.
“If you have two cars in your driveway, then petrol is probably the biggest energy bill in the house.
“To see that bill double in the last 12 months has got to be a hit on everybody.
“It is important that people still use an app to find the best fuel prices in Mount Gambier, as we are still seeing a four or five-cent difference in the market.”
While prices are hard to predict, Mr Borlace said that the community should get a clearer picture of ongoing prices.
“In the next two or three weeks we will start to see some of the longer-term effects,” he said.
“A couple of things come into play, once oil gets over $80 a barrel, there are some oil fields in the world that become profitable.
“They may be able to fill in that supply gap.
“There could also be a reaction, people will start using their cars less.”
Mr Borlace said it was a good time to be an electric car owner.
“The only benefit to this is that maybe it will accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles, as running costs would not have increased for them,” Mr Borlace said.
However, even electric car owners will start to experience some flow on effects soon, as airlines and supermarkets are expected to pass increased costs onto consumers.
