Nationals Leader Warren Truss has written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, requesting an immediate investigation into the retail price of diesel, which he says is out of sync with unleaded petrol.
Mr Truss says a growing number of consumers are complaining about "the increasing disparity in the price" of diesel, which until recently has traditionally been substantially cheaper than unleaded petrol.
"While petrol prices have fallen in recent times, the price of diesel remains extraordinarily high and the gap between petrol and diesel has widened," he said.
"A range of excuses are provided from time to time such as a shortage of suitable crude, demand in the northern hemisphere winter, the economic boom in Asia and growth in aviation fuel demand.
"But none of these reasons seem to offer a credible explanation for the huge current discrepancy in pricing."
Mr Truss said the price of diesel impacts all Australians, as it flows through to the cost of transporting goods.
Mr Truss wants an ACCC inquiry to examine the reasons for the price spread, and whether or not the difference is justified.
Email a friend