IN an environment of high fuel prices, motorists are urged to do what they can to save money at the bowser.
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One retailer, 7-Eleven, has given motorists the chance to have more of a say in how much they pay each time they fill up through its fuel app.
The app, released nearly 12 months ago, is a global first that allows drivers to search their five nearest 7-Eleven Fuel Stores to find the lowest price on fuel.
They can then ‘lock in’ that price and redeem petrol for that amount at any 7-Eleven store in the country within seven days.
A spokesperson for the retailer said Bathurst motorists had embraced the app.
The city has had the most redemptions of fuel locks in Australia, with 2872 customers redeeming a fuel price lock voucher since the app launched.
The average savings for each customer at Bathurst is $4.87 or 12.2 cents per litre.
However, one customer was able to save $29.52 in one transaction in Bathurst.
The app uses a customer’s current location and real time fuel price data to allow them to lock in their best local fuel price.
Users then register for a 7-Eleven digital wallet and select the type and volume of fuel they would like to purchase.
Customers ‘lock in’ an amount of fuel up to their 7-Eleven wallet balance.
Motorists can then fill up at any 7-Eleven fuel outlet and complete the transaction by scanning the barcode on the app at the register.
If the price at the store is lower than the price a customer has locked in, that price is what they will pay in-store.
The spokesperson said the app was introduced as part of 7-Eleven’s ongoing efforts to provide new and exclusive products to customers.
The NRMA has long been urging motorists, particularly those in Bathurst, to do their research before filling up to ensure they are getting the best deal.
Spokesperson Peter Khoury said motorists need to be using the tools available to help them save, including the NRMA’s own fuel resources.
“We would encourage them to use the NRMA fuel app and the government website so they can see the prices for every town and make the best choice,” he said.
“In saying that, every tool helps; you just want to make sure you are getting the best price, not just for one brand, but the best in town.”
Both the 7-Eleven and NRMA fuel apps are available through the app store on mobile devices.
These apps show real-time prices, which can be customised using location settings.
Bathurst residents who use the 7-Eleven fuel app will be able to ‘lock in’ prices as far away as Sydney’s west.
