Weekly Fuel Price Report: 12 March 2026 – 18 March 2026
Australian motorists have faced a challenging week at the bowser, with fuel prices surging across every major capital city and regional centre. The reporting period ending 18 March 2026 saw significant upward pressure on all fuel grades, with diesel consumers particularly hard-hit by double-digit percentage increases. As global market volatility continues to influence local terminal gate prices, the cost of regular unleaded petrol (U91) and premium blends has reached levels not seen in several months.
Current fuel prices and prediction
- Diesel Shock: Diesel prices have experienced extraordinary growth this week, with Geelong and Melbourne recording rises of 26.3% and 21.66% respectively.
- Unleaded Trends: Regular U91 petrol prices are rising nationally, with the national average now sitting at 225.73 cpl.
- Regional Impact: Darwin remains the most expensive capital for U91 at 233.33 cpl, while regional areas like Townsville and Cairns are seeing sharp increases of over 23 cpl.
- Price Cycles: Most East Coast capitals are currently in the rising phase of the price cycle, meaning motorists should fill up immediately if they find stock at lagged prices.
- E85 Stability: Ethanol E85 remains the only stable fuel type, with almost no movement in price across most jurisdictions, providing a rare point of consistency for compatible vehicles.
Capital City Price Comparison
The following table outlines the average price for Regular Unleaded 91 (U91) across Australian capital cities for the period of 12 March to 18 March 2026.
| City | Fuel Type | Average Price | Price Change | Percent Change | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Unleaded 91 | 226.09 cpl | +11.43 cpl | 5.21% | Rising |
| Melbourne | Unleaded 91 | 223.54 cpl | +13.32 cpl | 6.15% | Rising |
| Brisbane | Unleaded 91 | 225.74 cpl | +11.36 cpl | 5.18% | Rising |
| Perth | Unleaded 91 | 227.65 cpl | +3.59 cpl | 1.59% | Rising |
| Adelaide | Unleaded 91 | 224.70 cpl | +14.33 cpl | 6.53% | Rising |
| Hobart | Unleaded 91 | 226.12 cpl | +15.32 cpl | 7.03% | Rising |
| Darwin | Unleaded 91 | 233.33 cpl | +11.15 cpl | 4.89% | Rising |
| Canberra | Unleaded 91 | 225.37 cpl | +13.08 cpl | 6.00% | Rising |
Price Trends by Fuel Type
While unleaded prices have risen, the diesel market has been the primary driver of increased transport costs this week. The national averages reflect a broad-based increase across all refined products.
| Fuel Type | National Average Price | General Market Trend |
|---|---|---|
| E10 | 222.05 cpl | Rising |
| Unleaded 91 | 225.73 cpl | Rising |
| Premium 95 | 241.16 cpl | Rising |
| Premium 98 | 250.88 cpl | Rising |
| Diesel (DSL) | 260.81 cpl | Sharply Rising |
| Premium Diesel | 263.11 cpl | Sharply Rising |
| E85 | 229.73 cpl | Stable |
Looking Ahead
Motorists should prepare for continued volatility over the next 3 to 4 weeks. In Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, the current rising trend suggests that prices may not peak for another several days, after which they may plateau at a higher level before any potential discounting phase begins.
The diesel market is of particular concern. With price jumps exceeding 50 cents per litre in some Victorian centres over the last week, the knock-on effect for freight and grocery prices may become evident soon. We recommend that drivers in Perth take advantage of their unique weekly cycle to fill up on the cheapest days, while East Coast drivers should use real-time tracking to find service stations that have not yet updated their boards to the new higher rates.
Save Money with FuelRadar
With fuel prices constantly fluctuating, finding the best deal in your area can save you significant money over time. The FuelRadar app is your essential tool for locating the cheapest fuel prices in your neighbourhood, updated in real-time.
FuelRadar's user-friendly interface allows you to quickly compare prices across different service stations, helping you make informed decisions before filling up. The app's map feature shows you exactly where to find the best deals, saving you both time and money. By analysed data from thousands of locations, we ensure you never pay more than you have to.
Available on both iOS and Android devices, FuelRadar puts the power to save in your hands. You can also access the service via our website at fuelradar.com.au/map for desktop planning before you leave home or the office.
Download the FuelRadar app today and join thousands of motorists who are saving on every fill-up! Whether you are fuelling the family car or a commercial fleet, our real-time updates are the best way to optimise your travel budget.
Conclusion
This week has been one of the most aggressive periods for price hikes in recent memory, particularly for diesel users. As we move into the latter half of March, staying informed through real-time data is the only way to minimise the impact on your household budget. We will continue to monitor the international factors and local margins to provide you with the most accurate fuel price outlook.
