Petrol and fuel

  • In Australia, petrol, diesel and automotive LPG prices are deregulated – that is, they are not controlled by the government. The market determines Australian fuel prices.
  • Fuel prices go up and down due to a mix of factors, including overseas and local market forces.
  • We provide weekly information on recent unleaded petrol prices in Australia's five major cities.

What affects fuel prices

The factors that influence prices include changes in international benchmark prices, the value of the Australian dollar, pricing decisions by wholesalers and retailers, and levels of competition in different locations.

Petrol price cycles in major cities

Petrol prices move up and down in regular patterns in Australia’s major cities. These petrol price cycles are the result of pricing policies of petrol retailers.

Fuel prices in regional locations

Petrol prices in regional locations are generally higher than in capital cities. Prices are also more stable, as most regional locations don’t have petrol price cycles.

Monitoring fuel prices following the excise cut and restoration

The ACCC closely monitored fuel prices following the Federal Budget announcement of a 6-month reduction in fuel excise from 30 March 2022 to 28 September 2022. We are continuing to closely monitor fuel prices following the restoration of the full excise from 29 September 2022.

Ethanol and other biofuels

Biofuels, such as ethanol blended fuels and biodiesel, are made from vegetable and animal products. The ACCC monitors developments in the biofuels market.