South Australia Records Cheapest State Average Diesel While Queensland Spread Hits 69 Cents

Latest data from across Australia reveals South Australia is offering the cheapest average diesel prices in the country at 176.9 cents per litre, while Queensland motorists face a substantial 69 cent spread between the cheapest and most expensive servos.

The numbers tell an interesting story about how geographic location is shaping what Australian motorists pay at the bowser this week. Analysis of over 3,000 stations across six states reveals some notable patterns worth examining.

South Australia Leading the Way

Across 150 stations monitored in South Australia, the average diesel price sits at 176.9 cents per litre as of 9th Feb 2026. That makes it the most affordable state in the country for diesel, beating Queensland at 179.8 cents and Western Australia at 180.6 cents.

What makes the SA figure particularly interesting is the relatively tight price spread. The gap between the cheapest servo at 164.9 cents and the most expensive at 200.9 cents is just 36 cents. Compare that with NSW, where the spread blows out to 114 cents, and it is clear that Adelaide area motorists enjoy considerably more pricing consistency.

For context, that 36 cent spread is the second tightest in the country, behind only the ACT at 6 cents (though Canberra only has 3 monitored stations, making it a less meaningful comparison).

Queensland's 69 Cent Puzzle

Meanwhile, Queensland presents a more complicated picture. While the state average of 179.8 cents looks competitive on paper, the 69 cent spread between the cheapest station at 166.9 cents and the most expensive at 235.9 cents suggests significant variation depending on where you fill up.

That spread has remained relatively stable over the past week. Looking at the trend data, QLD diesel averaged 173.8 cents on 3rd Feb before climbing to 180.0 cents by the 8th, a gradual upward movement of about 6 cents over six days. The data indicates this is a steady drift rather than a sudden spike, which typically signals wholesale cost adjustments flowing through to the bowser.

For Brisbane motorists, the takeaway is straightforward: shopping around within even a 15 minute drive radius could save you that 69 cent difference on every litre.

The State by State Breakdown

A closer analysis reveals the full national diesel picture, ranked by average price:

The Northern Territory remains the clear outlier, with its average sitting a substantial 58.5 cents above the national next highest. That 245 cent spread between 150.0 and 395.0 cents per litre reflects the enormous cost of transporting fuel to remote communities.

WA's 7 Cent Drop Stands Out

One notable movement worth flagging: Western Australia recorded a 7 cent decrease overnight, bringing its average from 187.6 down to 180.6 cents. That 3.7 percent drop is the largest single day movement in any state this reporting period.

Looking at the weekly trend, WA diesel has been on a rollercoaster. It sat at 192.4 cents on 4th Feb, dropped briefly, then spiked to 211.3 cents on the 7th before this latest correction. The volatility is notable and worth monitoring over the coming days.

Where to Find the Cheapest Fills

For motorists hunting the absolute cheapest diesel right now, the data points to Sydney's western suburbs and Perth's outer metro areas. Smithfield in NSW is averaging 163.0 cents across three stations with a tight 3 cent spread, making it a reliable bet.

In Victoria, Deer Park stands out at 165.3 cents average, while regional VIC towns like Moe offer prices from 158.5 cents if you pick the right servo (though watch out for the 31 cent spread there).

For South Australian motorists, the consistent pricing means you are less likely to get caught out by a rogue expensive station. The statewide average of 176.9 cents is genuinely representative of what most drivers will encounter.

What This Means for Your Wallet

Statistically speaking, motorists in South Australia filling a 60 litre tank are paying roughly $106.14, compared to $108.90 in Victoria and a substantial $141.24 in the Northern Territory. That is a $35 difference on a single fill between the cheapest and most expensive state averages.

The numbers are clear: where you live matters, but within each state, the suburb you choose to fill up in can matter just as much. The data shows that motorists who compare prices before filling up, even within a single metropolitan area, could save notably over the course of a year.