With petrol prices in Melbourne reaching lows that have not been seen for years, Ballarat looks to be slowly following the trend, with prices dropping to about $1.30 a litre for standard unleaded petrol. 

However, new directions issued to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission could see more frequent analysis of fuel pricing and an in-depth look at fuel prices in certain geographical locations. 

The Courier has previously reported on the overly high prices in Ballarat, which have been consistently above that of Geelong and Bendigo.

A spokesperson for the ACCC said the watchdog was “currently analysing fuel price data to assist in targeting markets for the initial tranche of studies on particular geographic locations”.

It is believed particular locations will be decided on in the new

year. 

Ballarat MP Catherine King welcomed the new approach to be undertaken by the ACCC. 

“It is good to see that the ACCC has announced new quarterly reports on petrol price fluctuations,” she said. 

“The high cost of petrol has a huge flow-on effect in the Ballarat community. 

“As a regional area, there is far more travel involved, so many families are getting hit twice every time they do their Christmas shopping, head up the street, grab groceries and even visit friends and family on Christmas Day.”

matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au