Ripon MP Louise Staley said residents in many towns close to Ballarat are being shortchanged by the pricing.

“This is a huge issue locally with drivers in Maryborough, Stawell, Ararat, Miners Rest, Beaufort, Lucas, Avoca, Creswick, Clunes, St Arnaud and Donald all scratching their heads in frustration at the petrol pumps”, Ms Staley said.

“Country people have to dig deep every time they fill up at the bowser and then face the prospect of more travel – it is just unavoidable.

The inquiry will look at the impacts of pricing on country families, businesses and communities and examine discrepancies between regional communities.

It will primarily focus on unleaded, diesel and LPG fuels.