The True Cost of B20 Bio-Blend Right Now
If you are managing an interstate haulage route this July, switching to a B20 bio-blend (20% biodiesel, 80% standard diesel) will cost you a significant premium. Currently, B20 is sitting at a national average of 289.9 cents per litre (cpl). With standard diesel averaging just 202.5 cpl nationally, operators need to carefully analyse their route costs before committing to bio-blends.
Analysing the Figures and Availability
The biggest hurdle for heavy vehicle operators right now is supply. Our latest data shows only 1 station reporting B20 prices, pegging the fuel at a locked 289.9 cpl for both the cheapest and most expensive ends of the market. To put that premium into perspective, B20 is currently 544.2% more expensive than EV charging (averaging 45 cpl), though electric alternatives remain largely impractical for most heavy interstate rigs.
Because B20 is scarce and expensive, standard diesel (DSL) remains the backbone of Australian haulage. If you stick to standard diesel, you can find prices as low as 183.9 cpl, though the national maximum stretches up to 232.9 cpl.
Factoring in Interstate Price Differences
When calculating your haulage costs across state lines, standard diesel prices fluctuate noticeably depending on your destination. For example, diesel sits 4.9% higher in Darwin (241.31 cpl) than it does in Perth (230.14 cpl).
If your route takes you down the eastern seaboard, you can expect relatively stable averages across the major capitals:
- Sydney: 235.49 cpl
- Melbourne: 235.37 cpl
- Brisbane: 234.18 cpl
How to Calculate Your Route
To calculate your exact fuel cost, divide your total route kilometres by 100, multiply by your rig's fuel consumption (litres per 100km), and multiply that figure by the local fuel price. Right now, choosing B20 over the cheapest available standard diesel (183.9 cpl) adds over a dollar per litre to your running costs.
Your Next Step
Before you organise your next dispatch or send drivers out onto the freeway, it pays to check real-time prices. You can track down the cheapest diesel servos on your route using the FuelRadar app (available on iOS and Android) or by checking our live map at /map. Keep an eye on update times to ensure your drivers are getting the most accurate prices when they pull up to the bowser.
