Adrian Portelli has launched a fierce defence of his discount fuel pricing at the LMCT+ petrol station in Preston, Victoria, after a follower publicly questioned the value of his membership model. The Australian billionaire opened the station last week, drawing hundreds of loyal fans, and on Monday he responded sharply on social media to criticism about the pricing structure available only to annual club members.
Criticism of Pricing Model
One social media user argued: 'You pay $240 for the year plus $1 per litre. I pay 0.79c more (and still dropping) for petrol but save $240 a year. How is that giving back to the community? Work out $240 times thousands of people, you all just made him rich there.' Portelli, however, rejected this claim, stating that his business delivers significant savings. He retorted: 'You're actually stupid. Even saving 20c a litre at 50L per week, you're saving $520 per year. Not to mention a standard fuel saver is $99 per year. Shut your mouth and stop spitting s**t.'
Portelli's Vision for the Future
Portelli added that he has ambitious plans to expand his offerings, including more fuel sites, car washes, gyms, and supermarkets. He urged followers to 'sign up, stand by my side and I'll work for you or be left behind.' He criticised what he called 'brainwashed' people who fail to see the value, especially amid rising living costs.
The official opening of the first LMCT+ petrol station took place on Wednesday night, with hundreds of supporters arriving in muscle cars, performing burnouts, and causing traffic disruptions. Security had to intervene when a driver blocked traffic at a green light. Although fuel was not yet available, attendees queued for food, with some complaining of long waits.
Portelli was mobbed by fans during the event, which culminated in a $1 million giveaway. The 37-year-old announced the fuel venture in December 2025 as an extension of his LMCT+ subscription rewards club. Speaking to Daily Mail, he said he aims to alleviate Australia's fuel shortage by offering competitive prices, even if it means taking a financial hit. 'I'm willing to take a hit to the pocket to support them in these times,' he stated, though he acknowledged prices would eventually rise.
The fuel crisis in Australia escalated after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, causing prices to double and some stations to run dry. Portelli had promised discount fuel months before the crisis began, and his first station is now operational in Melbourne.
