SA petrol prices increase for long weekend

The price rise comes as the Federal Government measurement watchdog revealed almost one in 10 bowsers are inaccurate, ripping off some drivers and giving others more than they paid for.

Many petrol stations were yesterday selling unleaded at 135.9 a litre - 15c a litre above cost price - as part of a push to end a discounting cycle which has entered its fifth week, RAA senior analyst Chris West said.

"Prices of 135.9c a litre have started to appear, which is at the top end of the pricing cycle," Mr West said.

"From the timing point of view it is disappointing it has happened on a long weekend." Mr West said smaller independent retailers had increased prices and some major outlets had followed.

However, cheaper prices of around 120c a litre were still available yesterday afternoon. "For those people still in Adelaide over the long weekend our advice is to top up your tank at the cheaper price because it's a fifty-fifty proposition if the spike succeeds," Mr West said.

Prices in Adelaide yesterday ranged from 95.7c a litre at Costco in Kilburn, to 135.9c a litre at more than 20 per cent of servos. The average price was 120.5c a litre, according to the RAA. In comparison, average prices around the state ranged from 118.5c a litre in Port Augusta to 128.1c a litre in Mt Gambier, 130.5c a litre in Kadina, and 139c a litre in Coober Pedy.

Of the 588 fuel pumps tested in South Australia last financial year, 8.8 per cent were found to be in excess of the acceptable level of accuracy 

While nearly 9 per cent of bowsers tested by the National Measurement Institute were found to be inaccurate, the majority were in favour of the motorist. Of the 588 fuel pumps tested in South Australia last financial year, 8.8 per cent were found to be in excess of the acceptable level of accuracy (plus or minus 0.3 per cent of the volume dispensed).

While 2 per cent were found to be in error to the driver's "disadvantage", 6.8 per cent were in error to the motorist's benefit, according to the institute. A spokesman for the institute said inspectors issued "notices in all cases" where the measuring instruments did not meet the regulatory requirements.

Inspectors also tested measuring instruments at other businesses, such as scales at retail stores, and more than 12,000 packaged goods at SA businesses.Of all the instruments and goods checked, only four warning letters were issued and four fines imposed worth a total $3,400 for breaching regulations, the spokesman said.