Don't get pumped.
See exactly how much you could save by shopping around for fuel. Current prices updated 06 Jun 2026.
Based on a 50L tank, 4 fill-ups per month, paying 178c/L vs cheapest 2c/L. Adjust the inputs above to recalculate for your situation.
Weekly 50L fill-up, saving 176c/L by finding the cheapest station vs average price.
Twice-weekly 70L fill-up, same 176c/L saving. Fleet drivers save even more.
Check Petrolmate before heading to the servo. Prices can vary 20c/L within the same suburb.
Fill up on Tuesday or Wednesday when prices are typically lowest in the cycle.
E10 is typically 8c cheaper than ULP. Check if your car is compatible.
Combine supermarket fuel vouchers (4c off) with already-cheap stations for maximum savings.
Australian fuel prices are influenced by four main factors: the international crude oil price (denominated in US dollars), the AUD/USD exchange rate, federal fuel excise (currently 50.6 cents per litre for petrol and diesel), and the retailer's margin. While the first three factors affect all stations equally, the retailer margin is where prices diverge significantly. In capital cities, fuel price cycles driven by competitive dynamics between major retailers create regular peaks and troughs that can differ by 30 to 50 cents per litre.
This means the single most effective way to reduce your fuel costs is simply choosing when and where to fill up. Our calculator above uses real-time data to show you exactly how much this choice is worth in dollar terms for your specific driving pattern.
In Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide, fuel prices follow a regular cycle pattern. Prices drop gradually over several days as stations compete for customers, reaching a trough (typically midweek). Then one or more major retailers raise their prices sharply, and competitors follow within 24 to 48 hours. The cycle repeats every 7 to 14 days in most east coast cities.
Perth follows a different pattern with a government-monitored weekly cycle (FuelWatch), where prices are set at 6am and cannot change for 24 hours. Regional areas generally have more stable pricing but less competition, meaning higher average prices. Understanding your local cycle pattern is the key to consistently filling up at the cheapest point. Visit our Best Time to Fill Up page for real-time cycle analysis.
Using the correct fuel for your vehicle is essential for both savings and engine health. If your car requires 91 RON minimum, using E10 (94 RON, typically 3 to 5 cents cheaper) is the most cost-effective option for compatible vehicles. Using premium fuel in a vehicle that only requires 91 RON wastes money with no performance benefit. Conversely, using 91 RON in a vehicle requiring 95 or 98 RON reduces performance, increases consumption, and can cause engine damage over time. Check your fuel flap sticker for the minimum octane requirement and use our fuel type comparison to find the best prices for your specific fuel.