New app shows which petrol station in South Africa offers the cheapest fuel near you

[BusinessTech]

New app shows which petrol station in South Africa offers the cheapest fuel near you

An app developed by a Cape Town resident helps motorists find filing stations with the cheapest fuel and best cash-back and fuel-reward programmes.

 

[Arthur]

I can understand this sort of an app in countries where the retail price of fuel is not controlled by the government. But in SA we love state control and that extends to the price of fuel. The police will instantly pounce on any person who dares sell fuel to the public at anything other than the state-determined price. Until that changes, this app is pretty pointless.

 

[Speedster]

This is like the 4th thread on this in the past couple of weeks. What gives?

 

[cr@zydude]

I can understand this sort of an app in countries where the retail price of fuel is not controlled by the government. But in SA we love state control and that extends to the price of fuel. The police will instantly pounce on any person who dares sell fuel to the public at anything other than the state-determined price. Until that changes, this app is pretty pointless.

While the listed price for petrol is regulated, the truth is that prices paid by consumers are already deregulated. There is no restriction on discounts and rewards on fuel, which effectively creates price competition.

 

[Arthur]

While the listed price for petrol is regulated, the truth is that prices paid by consumers are already deregulated. There is no restriction on discounts and rewards on fuel, which effectively creates price competition.

Interesting. I've never encountered a petrol retailer offering discounts - it's my understanding that it's illegal to offer even one cent discount off the state regulated prices. As far as I know, the government quickly shut that loophole when Raymond Ackerman offered a discount on the Trek petrol he sold for a week or two back in the 70s.

I'm aware that loyalty and "club" usage rewards are offered by banks and some large retail chains. But aren't those associated with afiliate petrol stations, and in any case post-facto, and only work on presentation of a "club" card?

I'm still rather perplexed by how an app can help in SA.

 

[Arthur]

Still, there's been some chatter in the media recently about deregulating at least a small portion of the retail fuel price. It seems most fuel retailers are opposed to competition and love the government protection that insulates them from competition.

 

[cr@zydude]

Still, there's been some chatter in the media recently about deregulating at least a small portion of the retail fuel price. It seems most fuel retailers are opposed to competition and love the government protection that insulates them from competition.

The fuel retailers association (which represents station owners) is against deregulation of petrol.

Government is looking to set a price cap on 93 octane but allow sales at lower prices, as is down with LPG.

As for discounts, they are linked to club cards and bank cards but this is effectively price competition. Just ask ebuck chasers why they fill up at Engen.

 

[richjdavies]

If they are reading, any chance they can open up the app to other playstores?

There are many people stuck on their original countries playstores, who cannot access your app without great difficulty... Just asking for a friend

 

[Pak Fa Fui]

The fuel retailers association (which represents station owners) is against deregulation of petrol.

Government is looking to set a price cap on 93 octane but allow sales at lower prices, as is down with LPG.

As for discounts, they are linked to club cards and bank cards but this is effectively price competition. Just ask ebuck chasers why they fill up at Engen.

When is that happening

 

[Crowley]

As for discounts, they are linked to club cards and bank cards but this is effectively price competition. Just ask ebuck chasers why they fill up at Engen.

Ebucks FTW. Have been supporting Engen for a few years now.