![\"Fuel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1_GettyImages-2158121035.jpg\")
<\/p>\n‘The message is clear – don’t take Aussies for Mugs’<\/p>\n
Fuel pump (stock)(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Home heating, petrol and diesel prices are continuing to soar across Ireland, up to over \u20ac850 for 500 litres of heating oil and \u20ac2.08 for a litre of diesel on some forecourts – as the Irish Government and our consumer watchdog ‘monitors’ the situation.<\/a><\/p>\n In Australia, their Government is taking a more proactive approach, doubling the maximum fines for individual companies found to be illegally profiteering or price-gouging to an eye-watering $100m Aussie dollars or around \u20ac62m in Europs. It’s being called the ‘Nuclear Option’ and is a clear warning to retailers and suppliers who could be put out of business if they cross the line.<\/p>\n Australia’s Finance Minister – or Treasurer – Jim Chalmers has issued a stark warning all the way from the big corporations down to service stations, saying the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) was watching as the crisis in the Middle East continues to escalate.<\/p>\n The price of a litre of diesel for Aussie motorists has gone up to \u20ac1.40 on average – still far short of what Irish motorists are paying but enough to trigger dire warnings from their Government.<\/p>\n \u201cThe message from the Albanese Labor government is really clear to the petrol retailers. Don\u2019t take motorists for a ride. Don\u2019t treat Australians like mugs,\u201d said Treasurer Chalmers last night.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not use this opportunity of what\u2019s happening in the Middle East to do the wrong thing by people.\u201d<\/p>\n As well as doubling the fines – consumer watchdog officers will be out across Australia – visiting petrol stations and monitoring prices charged by energy and fuel providers.<\/p>\n