Diesel prices in Camooweal yesterday were 189.0 cents a litre at the Camooweal Road House and 198.9 cents a litre at Camooweal Driveway. 

Camooweal Driveway owner David Paterson said the cost of diesel could be due to freight but it is considered normal for the Camooweal area as small businesses cannot compete with big chains.

“It doesn’t matter what sort of business you have, you will never be able to compete with Coles and Woolworths,” he said.

“You can’t even buy petrol for what they are selling it for; you have to take what you can get.

“[Fuel prices are so high] because we get all of our fuel  from Townsville and we have to pay freight.

“It’s about normal for this area.”

Camooweal Road House acting manager Manny Singh said the high price of diesel or fuel  is a result of living in the Outback. 

“It is more expensive because it’s the Outback,” he said. 

“Diesel was $2 about two or three months ago. In Camooweal, everything is more expansive in general.” 

Yesterday diesel prices in Mount Isa were 149.9 cents a litre at Coles Express and 152.9 cents a litre at Caltex Woolworths.