The fight for fairer petrol prices is being stepped up today with the NRMA proposing changes to strengthen the Trade Practices act.
Under the plan it would be easier to prosecute oil giants, and companies would have to provide more information about pricing.
Pricing differences between petrol stations need to be justified and restrictions would be imposed on the big oil companies acquiring more petrol stations, under the NRMA's proposals.
It also wants the petrol commissioner's powers to be strengthened, so he can "crack down" on the oil companies if they are found to be "overinflating their profit margins".
The call comes after independently-owned service stations in the western Sydney suburb of Blacktown dropped their prices below 95 cents a litre last week in protest over petrol prices in the industry.
Gary Punch from the NRMA says it's a necessary step forward.
“The whole package is aimed at putting more competition in the Australian oil industry, and we think competition will give drivers relief at the petrol pump.”
