Australians are being advised to shop around for the best fuel deals as petrol prices are expected to spike nationwide in the coming weeks, according to warnings from the NRMA. The increases come at a critical time when families are preparing for holiday travel.
Melbourne and Brisbane Facing Sharp Increases
Fuel prices in Melbourne have reached 192.0 cents per liter, with further hikes anticipated as the holiday season progresses. Similarly, Brisbane has seen prices climb to an average of 203.8 cents per liter, signaling a challenging period for motorists in Queensland’s capital.
Price Trends Across Major Cities
Several other Australian cities are also witnessing significant price shifts:
- Adelaide: 168.9 cents per liter
- Perth: 196 cents per liter
- Hobart: 184.8 cents per liter
- Darwin: 175.5 cents per liter
In Canberra, prices have stabilized at 196.4 cents per liter. Meanwhile, Sydney motorists have seen a slight reprieve, with prices dropping from 200.6 cents on December 2 to 189.1 cents per liter. However, the decline has been sluggish, averaging just 11 cents over 16 days.
Sydney Fuel Market: Mixed Signals
In Sydney, approximately one-third of service stations are offering regular unleaded fuel for under 183 cents per liter, but 22% have prices exceeding $2 per liter. This disparity reflects broader concerns about slow price reductions in the city’s fuel cycle.
Call for Industry Accountability
NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury expressed frustration with the pace of falling prices, particularly in Sydney, where the decline has averaged just two-thirds of a cent per day. He urged oil companies to address inflated margins, highlighting the gap between wholesale costs and retail prices.
“The wholesale price is around 66 [cents per liter], so there’s a lot of fat in these margins right now depending on where you fill up,” Mr. Khoury noted.
Regional Areas Offer Potential Savings
Drivers heading to regional areas might find cheaper prices, with variations of up to 40 cents per liter across locations. Mr. Khoury emphasized the importance of planning and using tools like the My NRMA rewards app to locate competitive fuel prices.
Tips for Motorists During the Price Surge
- Research Fuel Prices: Use apps that provide real-time updates to identify cheaper stations.
- Plan Ahead: Consider refueling in regional areas where prices may be lower.
- Monitor Trends: Stay updated on local price cycles to avoid paying premiums.
Drivers are urged to be proactive in securing the best deals to minimize the impact of rising costs at the pump as holiday travel picks up.
