Cr King said Benalla drivers were still paying $1.29 a litre when the cost in capital cities was up to 30 cents a litre lower.

“This is not a council issue, but people want me to advocate on their behalf about this apparent disparity,” he said.

“I will ask the council to encourage the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to look into the situation in Benalla.”

The Australian Institute of Petroleum yesterday said the national average price of unleaded petrol last week had dropped to $119.7.

The cost in Melbourne on Thursday and Friday was $104.5 and it was as little as 99.9 cents in Sydney.

Cr King said while regional prices had fallen, Benalla drivers had not enjoyed the full benefit.

“Many residents want to know why,” he said.

“We need to bring fairness to rural Victoria.

“We are keen to put Benalla and our neighbouring council areas on the radar.”

Cr King will put his motion to approach the commission to the council on February 4.

He will propose that the council write to the member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, and state member for Euroa, Stephanie Ryan, as well as to the state and federal ministers responsible for transport, asking them to address the concerns of Benalla’s ratepayers.

“The commission advises that where a regional market looks to be of concern, it will review recent price movements and the structure of the market,” Cr King said.

“It may also visit the town and talk to retailers to determine whether further investigation was needed.

“I will be asking them to do just that, and to make us a priority.

“I hope our efforts will bring some fairness to the residents of Benalla.

“Public transport is not as readily available here as in metropolitan areas.

“Our rural residents have no choice but to travel long distances by car.”