Bunbury MLA Don Punch has expressed serious concerns over "high" petrol prices in the region over the past few weeks.
On April 14, the price of unleaded petrol at many Bunbury and Australind service stations stood at 126.9 cents per litre.
"I do not understand why there would be a 30-to-40-cent difference between Bunbury and the metropolitan area," he said.
"This is a clear example that the people of Bunbury are being ripped off.
"The fuel suppliers are not pulling their weight...any help from our federal colleagues, in terms of encouraging the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to take a serious look at this issue, would be most welcome."
Mr Punch said the current prices have affected many community members now facing personal issues and financial stress.
Concerned by the ongoing situation, Mr Punch has contacted the ACCC, Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino, and various oil companies.
He co-ordinated a petition with over 2500 signatures back in 2018, which was then tabled in Federal Parliament by Labor Senator for WA Louise Pratt.
The Bunbury MLA is urging all citizens to monitor the FuelWatch website and to support local independent service stations.
Mrs Marino said she had received many calls and emails from South-West residents regarding petrol prices.
"I have written to ACCC chair Rod Sims to request an urgent inquiry into current fuel prices in my electorate, particularly given the impact of COVID-19," she said.
"Fuel is an essential part of household expenditure and it is vital that we ensure fuel prices are fair and reasonable for all customers."
Mr Sims said the ACCC was monitoring retail petrol price movements to "determine if the recent falls in international crude oil and refined petrol prices were flowing through to consumers".
"World oil prices have plummeted, with prices just over $20 a barrel. As an oil importer, this is good news for the Australian economy," he said.
"One way Australia benefits is by lower petrol prices. Motorists need any price relief they can get at this time, and petrol station oil tanks have in almost all cases been re-stocked with lower priced petrol.
"Changes in international refined petrol prices usually take between one and two weeks to be reflected in retail petrol prices in the larger capital cities, and longer in the smaller capital cities and in regional areas.
"The ACCC cannot control the petrol prices companies set, but we can call out problematic price setting which can influence company behaviour."
