The average price of unleaded petrol in Sydney hit $1.84 per liter on Thursday, with drivers being urged to act quickly before prices climb further. According to the NRMA, petrol prices in Sydney are projected to exceed $2 per liter in the coming days, with over a quarter of service stations already charging this amount.
Rising Petrol Prices Across Major Australian Cities
While Sydney drivers brace for steeper costs, petrol prices vary across the country. Current averages include:
- Melbourne: $1.76
- Brisbane: $1.78
- Perth: $1.97
- Canberra: $1.96
- Hobart: $1.91
- Adelaide: $1.87
- Darwin: $1.84
NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury emphasized the importance of filling up before prices spike. “If you didn’t fill up last week while prices were at the bottom of the cycle, now would be a good time to fill up, as prices are only going to rise and rise quickly,” Khoury said.
Strategies for Saving on Fuel
Drivers are encouraged to use fuel price apps and plan their refueling strategically to mitigate rising costs. ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey noted that fuel prices in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane often take up to two weeks to move from their lowest to their highest points, providing a window to shop around.
By filling up during the lowest part of the price cycle and comparing prices, motorists could save significantly. For instance, annual savings could reach:
- Sydney: $407
- Melbourne: $333
- Brisbane: $242
- Adelaide: $486
- Perth: $740
Tools to Find Cheaper Petrol Prices
Real-time fuel prices are accessible through several apps and websites, such as:
- FuelCheck NSW app and website
- NT MyFuel NT website
- FuelWatch WA website
- Apps from RACQ, RAA of South Australia, RACV, and NRMA
- Commercial providers: MotorMouth and PetrolSpy
- My 7-Eleven app: Allows drivers to lock in the lowest nearby price and redeem it within the week.
Timing and Research Are Key
With the Australia Day long weekend approaching, families planning road trips are advised to research fuel prices along their routes. “They may well be going to a town that’s cheaper than where they are right now, so it’s important to do that little bit of research before getting in the car,” Khoury said.
To avoid higher costs at the pump, drivers should act promptly and take advantage of available resources to secure the best possible deals.