Local councillors and parliamentarians have explored numerous avenues by approaching relevant authorities to seek help in keeping the price low but nothing has transpired.

The price of petrol is much cheaper in Port Augusta, our nearest neighbour, just a 40 minute drive from here.

A random survey of Whyalla residents and local leaders has revealed extreme frustration with some drivers refusing to even discuss the issue saying it is 'disgusting'.

Parliamentarians and local leaders have called for community action.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has washed its hands when it comes to stabilising Whyalla's fuel prices.

Commission director of the media unit Lin Enright, said the individual retailers could set their own margins because there were no set regulations to bind them.

She said the ACCC could not take any legal action apart from monitoring the prices.

Ms Enright said no action could be taken until the retailers were found to be "fixing prices".

She said the ACCC could not interfere with the market forces and the pricing process.

"I can't comment specifically about Whyalla but in general terms the selling price is decided by the wholesale price, freight costs, geographical location, the nature of the retailers business and whether the retailer is buying directly from the terminal or from a supplier," Ms Enright said.

"The gap between city and country prices varies from one location to another and many other factors."

RAA spokesperson, Matthew Hanton, said there should be no reason why the price of fuel is higher in Whyalla.

He said the profit margin seems to be inflated and the petrol commissioner should carry out investigations.

Mr Hanton said if the prices could be monitored and controlled in the metro cities there was no reason to ignore the regional areas.