The Armidale petrol market has demonstrated the impact of increased competition and greater price transparency according to figures released in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) latest regional petrol report.

Petrol prices in Armidale were significantly higher than those in the five largest cities in Australia from 2012–13. The main reasons for this were: higher transport costs; higher retail operating costs per litre; and higher retail margins and profits. Relatively weak retail competition in Armidale, reflected by a lack of price discounting, contributed to the increase in retail margins and profits in recent years.

The Armidale market is small and relatively concentrated, and until recently did not have an active price discounter.