FuelWatch data reveals average fuel prices for Geraldton in 2024 & watchdog forecasts short-term price hikes

The cheapest and dearest fuel stations in Geraldton on average last year have been revealed amid warnings more hip pocket pain is on the way at the bowser. According to FuelWatch, United Rangeway was Geraldton’s cheapest fuel station in 2024, with customers saving almost 7¢ per litre on average compared to those who fuelled up at the most expensive station in Geraldton, Caltex in Glenfield. FuelWatch released average fuel prices in 2024, with United beating Geraldton competitors with an average price of 179.6¢ per litre. Fuel stations in Mt Tarcoola were close behind, with Metro Geraldton and Shell Coles Express Tarcoola averaging 180.2¢ and 181.5¢ respectively. The most expensive fuel station in town was Caltex, with the Glenfield branch costing 186.4 and Tarcoola Beach 185.9¢. Moonyoonooka Store was more expensive again 188.8¢, as well as S-Bend Caravan Park South Greenough at 189.5¢. Not included in the data is new competitor Atlas Fuel in Wonthella, which opened in August last year. As of Thursday, Atlas was the most affordable bowser in Geraldton (175.9¢), while Caltex Glenfield was the most expensive (189.9¢). That is a difference of 14¢ per litre — a saving of $437 a year for someone filling up their 60-litre tank once a week. Liberty Dongara has been dubbed the cheapest fuel station in the Mid West, averaging 178.5¢ in 2024. People paid the most at Meekatharra Corner Store (228.6¢), followed by Meekatharra Caravan Park (228.5¢), Yarrumba Service Station Mullewa (201.9¢), Mid-West Crudeli’s Auto Repairs Mullewa (196.4¢) and Refuel Australia Dongara (191.1¢). And with the fuel watchdog forecasting a rise in fuel prices, motorists are encouraged to shop smart. “International prices for ULP and diesel has gone up over the last couple of weeks,” according to FuelWatch co-ordinator Kyle Huynh. “Prices in Perth have trended upwards recently, so the short-term expectation is for Geraldton ULP prices to increase slightly.” Mr Huynh said sanctions on Russian oil trade and wholesale price rises were contributing to fuel price hikes. “Prices in the regions are generally higher than in the metro. The main reason is to do with higher wholesale prices. Number two, competition. There’s many more sites in Perth, and more diversity of different business models run by the retailers,” he said. Another factor, which Mr Huynh said was becoming more important each year, was the amount of profit generated on non-fuel sales such as convenience items and restaurant goods. “If they can generate more profits from that side of the business, they can offer more of a discount on the price of the fuel,” he said. “In Perth, because there’s more traffic going into the stores, they tend to get more of those non-fuel sales.” Consumer Protection senior regional officer Mid West Natasha Pirrottina said fuel was a big factor in the family budget, commuting to and from sporting events, school pick-up and drop off and work, and it was important to make informed choices by checking the FuelWatch website or app. “People often go to their local because of convenience, but if price is a factor into your weekly budget, this is the best option, because obviously everyone has a busy life and checking fuel prices online makes life a lot easier,” she said. “We know in Geraldton with the rental crisis and rents going up, if there’s any possible way of saving money, people should look into these options. “I don’t think the price of living is going to change by the looks of it.” Greater Geraldton average ULP fuel prices in 2024 United Rangeway 179.6 Metro Geraldton 180.2 Shell Coles Express Tarcoola 181.5 Maisey Fuels Webberton 181.5 Maisey Fuels Narngulu 181.5 Ampol Geraldton 181.6 BP Wonthella 181.8 Shell Coles Express Wonthella 182.1 Smart Mart Pure Convenience 183.9 Walkaway General Store 185.4 Refuel Australia Webberton 185.5 Refuel Australia West End 185.5 Refuel Australia Glenfield 185.5 Caltex Tarcoola Beach 185.9 Caltex Glenfield 186.4 Moonyoonooka Store 188.8 S-Bend Caravan Park South Greenough 189.5 Crudeli’s Auto Repairs Mullewa 196.4 Yarrumba Service Station Mullewa 201.9 Source: Fuelwatch