By Jed Lanyon
Healesville residents have hit out at local petrol prices with some vowing to boycott local service stations, opting to travel before picking up the pump.
Frustrated locals took to social media to vent at the high prices of fuel, as three petrol stations in Healesville featured unleaded at 155.9c per litre on Wednesday 3 February, among the highest in metropolitan Melbourne.
RACV’s fuel price map said the prices were trending upward and that the average price at the pump was 139.9c per litre, while recommending drivers to not pay above 137.9c per litre.
The anger from Healesville residents was further compounded upon seeing other Yarra Valley suburbs of Mount Evelyn and Wandin feature unleaded prices of 133.9c and 125.9c per litre respectively. While fuel prices in Narbethong were as low as 109.9c per litre.
RACV senior vehicle engineer, Nicholas Platt explained why the prices might be higher in Healesville.
“The situation in Healesville where prices are averaging about 155 cents per litre is essentially down to the competition and more importantly the lack of independent retailers,” he said. “Healesville is only serviced by three retailers, all of whom are major brands – Caltex, Coles Express and BP.
“Wandin North and Mount Evelyn by contrast are entirely serviced by independents which tends to have the effect of holding down prices in surrounding areas such as Lilydale. While Lilydale also has a large proportion of major brand retailers, it has significantly lower prices than Healesville due to this competition.
“Our advice would be for motorists to be aware of the price differences in nearby areas through use of fuel comparison tools such as the one available on the RACV website and fill up accordingly. This will put the competition pressure back on expensive retailers to lower their prices.”
This issue is nothing new for Healesvillians as the height of the coronavirus pandemic saw fuel prices slashed to the lowest numbers seen in 16 years as global oil prices plummeted. Despite this, Healesville’s fuel prices remained significantly higher than those of other Yarra Ranges suburbs.
All three of Healesville’s fuel stations had their fuel prices around 110c per litre, nearly 30 cents higher than what could be found in nearby Yarra Glen, Lilydale and Wandin and at stages one of the only locations in the region where fuel prices remain over one dollar per litre.
Last March saw prices in Healesville sitting about 159c a litre, while those in Wandin, Woori Yallock and Launching Place had already cut their prices to around 111c per litre.
Here’s what the locals are saying:
Dick Taylor
Further to my comment yesterday on petrol being 46 cents a litre dearer here in town than up at Narby. Does anyone know exactly why we are so dearer than other places? looking at the response from yesterday, no one else is nearly as dear as here. (The) three outlets here, they seem to be in cahoots with one another.
Helen Tettis
I buy mine in Lilydale on my way home from work. Have been for years.
Gayle Slater
I did ask and apparently, Healesville is in the tourist belt that runs through Emerald across to Healesville. Personally, I believe the individual suppliers set their own prices and see Healesville as a good rip off place.
Mick Fawke
Petrol stations in Healesville have been ripping us off for years, we should boycott them.
Sandy Gruar
Just don’t buy petrol there. Hopefully they might take notice.
Jo Penrose
The only fuel I buy in Healesville is for the mower. Their prices are ridiculous. Support local business? Not when they don’t give a rats about locals.
George Trumble
Easy solution, buy your fuel in Lilydale!
