The Queensland government has buckled after months of pressure and will force petrol stations to publish fuel prices in real time.
But it's also cast doubt on the plan's ability to deliver hip-pocket relief.
Under a two-year trial, retailers will have to update their prices online, within 15 minutes of any change.
Motoring lobby RACQ has long been calling for comprehensive, real-time price monitoring.
"For so long we've been telling motorists to buy from the cheapest retailer, but transparency over prices just hasn't been available to them and many have been ripped off in the process," the RACQ's Paul Turner said.
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"This puts the power back in the hands of the motorists rather than big fuel companies."
The RACQ says it, and others, will use the data to build apps and websites, which will let drivers know where they can fill up for less.
But Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham and Transport Minister Mark Bailey have tried to temper expectations about the trial's success.
Both cited a Griffith University report that found similar schemes in NSW and the Northern Territory had not achieved price reductions and in some cases had led to a price increase.
Dr Lynham also said a national approach on fuel pricing was needed.
"We are prepared to stand up for Queensland motorists. It's time the federal government did their bit as well," he told parliament.
Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has taken credit for forcing the government to act after months of pressure to adopt a scheme, and criticised Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for not acting sooner.
"If this government had have brought in this change 14 weeks ago when we proposed it, Queenslanders would have $100 left in their pocket by now, but unfortunately, here we are," she said.
"Why does Annastacia Palaszczuk have to have a trial ... just get on and do it."
