Melbourne Inner Suburbs Record 8 Cent Petrol Drop as Price Cycle Turns
*13th December 2025 2:09pm AEDT*
Latest data from across Victoria reveals a notable shift in the petrol price cycle, with several Melbourne inner suburbs recording drops of up to 8 cents per litre overnight. The numbers tell an interesting story about where motorists can find genuine savings this weekend.
The Data Behind the Drop
Analysis of 1,178 Victorian stations shows the average diesel price sitting at 189.5 cents per litre, but it is the unleaded petrol movements that deserve particular attention today.
Epping has emerged as the standout performer, with unleaded prices falling 8.1 cents to reach an average of 187.1 cents per litre. This represents a significant saving for motorists in Melbourne's northern corridor who filled up earlier this week.
Richmond, traditionally one of the more competitive inner city markets, has followed suit with a 7.3 cent reduction. Current unleaded prices there average 185.9 cents per litre, making it worth a detour for those travelling through the inner east.
Regional Price Variations Worth Noting
A closer analysis reveals interesting patterns beyond the headline drops. Broadmeadows has seen Premium 95 prices decrease by 8.3 cents, now averaging 202.5 cents per litre. For motorists who require higher octane fuel, this represents a notable opportunity.
Benalla in regional Victoria continues to offer competitive pricing, with Premium 95 dropping 7.1 cents to 185.1 cents per litre. This confirms a pattern I have observed consistently: regional Victorian towns often match or beat metropolitan prices, particularly during cycle downturns.
Interestingly, Thomastown has bucked the trend, with diesel prices increasing 11.5 cents to 183.4 cents. This divergence suggests commercial vehicle operators should shop around carefully in the northern suburbs.
State Comparison: Victoria Holds Its Position
The regional comparison data indicates Victoria maintains the second lowest average diesel price nationally at 189.5 cents, just behind Western Australia at 187.9 cents.
Queensland motorists are paying notably more, with diesel averaging 203.5 cents per litre. New South Wales has recorded a substantial 8.9 cent drop in diesel prices, now averaging 191.5 cents, suggesting the pricing cycle is turning favourably across the eastern seaboard.
South Australia remains competitive at 191.8 cents average diesel, while Tasmania holds steady at 191.2 cents.
Where to Find the Best Deals
For Melbourne motorists seeking the best value this weekend, the data suggests focusing on these areas:
Northern Corridor Savings:
- Epping unleaded at 187.1 cents average
- Reservoir diesel from 172.9 cents
- Kingsbury diesel from 172.5 cents
Outer East Value:
Western Suburbs:
- Deer Park diesel from 173.9 cents
The price spread in Victoria remains substantial at 84.1 cents between the cheapest and most expensive diesel stations. This variation underscores the importance of checking prices before filling up.
The Bigger Picture
Looking at the data from the past 24 hours, the pattern is clear: Melbourne's petrol price cycle has entered its downward phase. Statistically speaking, motorists who fill up this weekend should secure better prices than those who waited from midweek.
Regional towns like Bright, Moe, and Epsom near Bendigo continue to offer diesel under 175 cents per litre. For those planning weekend trips, filling up in these regional centres makes financial sense.
Portland in western Victoria and Corio near Geelong are also worth considering, with diesel prices starting from the low 170s.
What This Means for Your Wallet
The numbers are clear: Melbourne motorists who time their fill ups strategically this weekend could save substantially. An 8 cent per litre saving on a 50 litre tank equates to $4 per fill up, or roughly $200 annually for weekly drivers.
For commercial operators watching diesel prices, the current Victorian average of 189.5 cents is favourable by national standards. The 84 cent price spread, however, means shopping around remains essential.
I would recommend using our interactive fuel map to identify the best prices in your specific area before heading out. The weekend pricing window typically offers the best value before the next cycle upturn.
