The RACQ says the price increases were opportunistic, with retailers appearing to use the conflict in the Middle East as cover to push prices higher outside the regular fuel price cycle. Brisbane motorists were hit with sudden increases at the pump despite wholesale fuel prices not reflecting the same urgency.

The motoring body has referred the retailers in question to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for investigation. The ACCC has previously warned fuel retailers against using geopolitical events to justify price gouging when wholesale costs don't support it.

Fuel prices have been a persistent pain point for Brisbane households already struggling with cost-of-living pressures. The out-of-cycle spike adds to frustration among consumers who feel the fuel market lacks transparency and accountability.