Fuel Gouging in Australia: Know Your Rights, November 2025

As November 2025 rolls on, Australian motorists are once again feeling the pinch at the petrol pump. Fluctuating global oil prices, geopolitical events, and local market dynamics all contribute to the ever-changing cost of fuelling our vehicles. While some price variations are unavoidable, it's crucial to understand your rights and recognise potential instances of fuel gouging. This article provides a comprehensive overview of fuel pricing in Australia, your rights as a consumer, and how to make informed decisions to save money.

Understanding Fuel Price Cycles

Most capital cities in Australia experience cyclical petrol pricing. These cycles can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a month, with prices gradually increasing before sharply dropping. Recognising these patterns can help you time your petrol purchases to coincide with the lower end of the cycle. Keeping an eye on price trends in your local area is a valuable strategy for minimising your fuel expenses.

What Constitutes Fuel Gouging?

Fuel gouging, in its simplest form, refers to retailers excessively increasing prices beyond what is considered reasonable, often exploiting periods of high demand or limited supply. While there isn't a specific law against "fuel gouging" in Australia, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) actively monitors the petrol market for anti-competitive behaviour, such as price fixing or misleading conduct. If evidence of such behaviour is found, the ACCC can take enforcement action.

Current Fuel Price Snapshot: November 2025

Across Australia, fuel prices exhibit considerable variation. As of today, November 2025, Unleaded 91 prices are noticeably different depending on your location. For example, Unleaded 91 prices are 19.5% higher in Brisbane (206.08 cpl) than in Adelaide (172.43 cpl). Premium 98 prices also vary significantly, with Brisbane (230.63 cpl) being 17.1% more expensive than Adelaide (197.00 cpl).

Here’s a glimpse at the current average fuel prices in major capital cities:

• Sydney: Diesel (DSL): 193.54 cpl, E10: 174.37 cpl, Premium 95 (P95): 192.54 cpl, Premium 98 (P98): 199.97 cpl, Premium Diesel (PDSL): 192.37 cpl, Unleaded 91 (U91): 176.29 cpl
• Brisbane: Diesel (DSL): 193.96 cpl, E10: 203.33 cpl, Premium 95 (P95): 223.24 cpl, Premium 98 (P98): 230.63 cpl, Premium Diesel (PDSL): 199.65 cpl, Unleaded 91 (U91): 206.08 cpl
• Perth: Diesel (DSL): 191.34 cpl, Premium 95 (P95): 189.88 cpl, Premium 98 (P98): 198.79 cpl, Premium Diesel (PDSL): 198.58 cpl, Unleaded 91 (U91): 173.73 cpl
• Adelaide: Diesel (DSL): 187.42 cpl, E10: 164.78 cpl, Premium 95 (P95): 189.37 cpl, Premium 98 (P98): 197.00 cpl, Premium Diesel (PDSL): 190.60 cpl, Unleaded 91 (U91): 172.43 cpl
• Hobart: Diesel (DSL): 194.46 cpl, E10: 172.83 cpl, Premium 95 (P95): 195.07 cpl, Premium 98 (P98): 203.25 cpl, Premium Diesel (PDSL): 200.56 cpl, Unleaded 91 (U91): 178.96 cpl
• Darwin: Diesel (DSL): 191.40 cpl, Premium 95 (P95): 202.50 cpl, Premium 98 (P98): 223.79 cpl, Premium Diesel (PDSL): 195.51 cpl, Unleaded 91 (U91): 186.71 cpl
• Canberra: Diesel (DSL): 203.76 cpl, E10: 185.01 cpl, Premium 95 (P95): 203.99 cpl, Premium 98 (P98): 210.82 cpl, Premium Diesel (PDSL): 200.99 cpl, Unleaded 91 (U91): 185.68 cpl

Interestingly, Adelaide currently offers the cheapest prices for all fuel types listed above, making it Australia's most affordable capital city for motorists in November 2025. Diesel is currently 8.7% more expensive in Canberra (203.76 cpl) compared to Adelaide (187.42 cpl). In Sydney, Premium 95 (192.54 cpl) costs 9.2% more than Unleaded 91 (176.29 cpl).

Your Rights as a Consumer

As a consumer, you have the right to:

• Clear and accurate pricing: Petrol stations must display prices clearly and accurately, including any conditions that apply (e.g., discounts for specific loyalty programs).
• Choose your fuel: You are free to choose where you purchase your fuel, and retailers cannot force you to buy a specific brand or type.
• Make a complaint: If you believe you have been unfairly treated or suspect anti-competitive behaviour, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the ACCC.

Tips for Saving Money on Fuel

Here are some practical tips to help you save money on fuel:

• Monitor fuel prices: Keep track of fuel prices in your local area and identify the cheapest stations.
• Time your purchases: Buy petrol when prices are at their lowest point in the price cycle.
• Consider fuel efficiency: Drive efficiently by avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, maintaining a steady speed, and ensuring your tyres are properly inflated.
• Combine trips: Plan your errands to minimise the number of trips you make.
• Shop around: Take advantage of loyalty programs and discounts offered by different retailers.
• Use fuel price tracking apps: Utilise tools that provide real-time fuel price information to find the best deals.

FuelRadar: Your Partner in Finding the Cheapest Fuel

In today's dynamic fuel market, staying informed is key to saving money. FuelRadar provides real-time fuel prices across Australia, empowering you to make informed decisions about where and when to fill up. With FuelRadar, you can quickly locate the cheapest petrol stations near you, saving you time and money on every fill. FuelRadar provides users with a map view of fuel prices which can be found at https://fuelradar.com.au/map.

Whether you're looking for the cheapest Unleaded 91, Premium 98, or Diesel, FuelRadar has you covered. Brisbane motorists, for example, can potentially save 1.3% by choosing E10 (203.33 cpl) over Unleaded 91 (206.08 cpl), a saving FuelRadar can quickly identify.

FuelRadar is available on both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to all Australian motorists. Start saving money on fuel today by downloading FuelRadar! Download FuelRadar now.

Making a Complaint

If you suspect you have been overcharged or witnessed potential fuel gouging practices, report the incident to the ACCC. Providing detailed information, such as the date, time, location, and price, will assist them in their investigation.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of the Australian fuel market can be challenging, but by understanding your rights, monitoring price cycles, and utilising tools like FuelRadar, you can take control of your fuel expenses. Don't let high petrol prices drain your wallet. Download the FuelRadar app today and start saving money on every fill!