Australian Fuel Prices Today

Australia's fuel market is shaped by a mix of international crude oil prices, the Australian dollar exchange rate, government excise, and local retail competition. The current national average of 178.8 cents per litre for unleaded 91 reflects all of these factors working together.

Fuel excise in Australia is currently indexed to CPI twice a year (February and August). On top of the excise, each litre also carries GST calculated on the total price including excise. This means that when the base price of fuel rises, the tax component rises with it.

Price cycles are a well-documented pattern in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Prices typically rise sharply over a day or two and then gradually decline over a one to two week period. Filling up at the bottom of a cycle can save 20 to 40 cents per litre compared to the peak.

New South Wales currently has the cheapest average fuel prices, while ACT is the most expensive. Regional areas almost always pay more than capital cities due to higher transport costs and fewer competing stations.

For drivers considering the switch to electric vehicles, the maths has never been more compelling. At current fuel prices, the average Australian household spends over $3,500 per year on petrol. Charging an EV at home costs a fraction of that. Use our EV savings calculator to see the exact numbers for your situation.