The consumer watchdog has launched Federal Court proceedings against the petrol chains, arguing that the businesses had contravened section 45 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (the Act).
“The ACCC alleges that the arrangements were likely to increase retail petrol price coordination and cooperation, and were likely to decrease competitive rivalry,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.
“Given the importance of price competition in petrol retailing, the ACCC is concerned that consumers may be paying more for petrol as a result.”
Mr Sims said the court action follows an extensive investigation by the ACCC into price information sharing arrangements in the retail petrol industry.
He says the ACCC will be seeking declarations, injunctions, pecuniary penalties and costs.
The matter will be heard in court in Melbourne on 26 September 2014.
