Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor says he will alert the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) to high petrol prices in the southern highlands.

Mr Taylor has encouraged motorists to take photos at local petrol stations.

“I have a good idea of prices at the moment in Goulburn - about $1.06, $1.07 ULP (E10) per litre. I will be comparing with prices in the highlands.

“It’s clear the independent retailers in the highlands are delivering cheaper petrol than the major oil companies. As we all know, choice drives competition and consumers should be reminded of the power they have to buy elsewhere,” Mr Taylor said.

He said if he had photographic proof of local prices, he would alert the ACCC.

“I am happy to work with the community to build a case for an investigation by the ACCC.

“The ACCC is investigating local petrol pricing in Armidale, Launceston and Darwin. These studies try to expose higher pricing and encourage consumers to swap where they shop.

“If the ACCC finds evidence of anti-competitive behaviour it can take action through the courts.”

Mr Taylor said the Government had issued a new direction to the ACCC in late 2014, under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, to monitor and analyse fuel markets in a more regular and in-depth way. Monitoring reports are now being produced quarterly and are able to identify areas of market concern or heightened interest for the community.

He said photos of prices in the highlands could be emailed to gday@2st.com.au or to angus.taylor.mp@aph.gov.au