That’s what happened in central Victoria this weekend, for reasons most motorists will struggle to accept.

For those who do not know, when it comes to unleaded petrol, the benchmark is the spot price of Singapore Mogas 95 unleaded - the price of petrol in Singapore. Many of us may wonder at the relevance of this, but we must accept the basis of that benchmark because Singapore is our closest major refining and marketing centre. However, this system does not work well for regional and rural Australia.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website, motorists in the major cities have not paid more than an average of about $1.25 a litre for at least three months. Yesterday, central Victorians were paying close to $1.37 a litre.

It is time the ACCC shook off its air of inadequacy and really stood up for those Australians who view it as a toothless tiger. It simply defies logic - at least, the logic escapes us - as to why the price of unleaded fuel needed to rise by more than 10 cents a litre at the weekend, right across Bendigo and nearby communities at practically the same time. And yes, it was a long weekend.

Regional consumers have been getting a raw deal for too long from people and organisations we have entrusted to represent our best intentions. It’s now time for answers, and action.

What do you think?

Write a letter to the editor, or e-mail editor@bendigoadvertiser.c om.au