Petrol prices to soar in south east Qld

Queensland's peak motoring body is calling on the state government to introduce real-time fuel price reporting as petrol prices are forecast to soar in the state's south-east.

The RACQ says prices across the region will climb to three-year highs in coming days with dozens of Brisbane service stations already upping their prices to 151.9 cents per litre.

RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith says at that price service stations' retail margins are sitting at 27.5 cents per litre.

"If this trend continues, we could potentially see a three-year record high next week," Ms Smith said.

The RACQ says a real-time price reporting system would help customers make a more informed decision due to more retailers providing their price information.

"Not only will this help motorists to save money but it'll force servos selling at a higher price to lower their bowser costs in order to get customers," Ms Smith said.

The introduction of a similar program in NSW called Fuel Check had resulted in prices across Sydney falling by two cents a litre on average, she said.

If that average was applied statewide to Queensland, Ms Smith said it would save motorists $70 million a year.

Queensland opposition leader Deb Frecklington backed the RACQ's call for real-time reporting.

"We all know that competition drives down prices," Ms Frecklington said.

"It works in other states, Queenslanders are missing out."

A Queensland government spokesman said the website would not bring down prices and would "only duplicate market-based services".

He said services such as MotorMouth and Gas Buddy already provided pricing information for Queenslanders.

"The leader of the opposition should be pressuring her federal leader Malcolm Turnbull to ensure the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has the powers and legislation it needs to act on this national issue," the spokesman said.

"Queensland has previously written to the Federal Treasurer about this and it's about time the LNP in Queensland do the same."

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