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Brisbane motorists warned over petrol pump shortages

An audit reveals Australian drivers are regularly short-changed at the bowser, with Brisbane motorists among those affected.

By The Daily Brisbane · Published 25 July 2026

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Brisbane is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

Brisbane motorists warned over petrol pump shortages — Photo by J.H. Sohn / flickr (by)

Brisbane drivers should be extra vigilant when filling up, after a new audit uncovered a concerning pattern of petrol bowsers short-changing motorists across Australia. The audit found that a notable number of fuel dispensers are not delivering the full amount customers are paying for, a problem that affects household budgets already stretched by inflation and rising energy costs.

The practice effectively amounts to paying for fuel that drivers never receive, and it may have been happening undetected for months or longer at some service stations. For Brisbane commuters and tradies who fill up regularly, the cumulative impact of these discrepancies can add up to substantial losses over time.

Consumer advocates are calling for tighter oversight of petrol station equipment and more frequent audits to protect motorists. Brisbane drivers experiencing unusually low fuel volumes should check receipts carefully and report discrepancies to their local council or the ACCC.

Sources: brisbanetimes.com.au.

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