Weekly Fuel Report - Saturday 21 March 2026

Weekly Fuel Price Report: 14 March 2026 – 20 March 2026

Motorists across the country have faced significant pressure at the bowser this week as petrol and diesel prices surged in every major capital city. Our latest data indicates that the price of regular unleaded petrol (U91) has climbed by an average of over 17 cents per litre (cpl) across the eastern seaboard, while diesel users in some regions, particularly Victoria, have seen even sharper increases. As we analyse the current market trends, it is clear that the cheap phase of the price cycle has ended abruptly for most Australian drivers.

Current fuel prices and prediction

• Unleaded petrol prices are rising: The average price for U91 petrol has jumped significantly, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane all seeing increases between 17 and 18 cpl.
• Adelaide experiencing sharpest hike: Adelaide motorists saw the most aggressive price movement this week, with U91 prices climbing by 20.65 cpl.
• Diesel volatility: Diesel prices have soared, most notably in Melbourne and Geelong, where prices rose by over 36 cpl and 38 cpl respectively.
• E85 remains the outlier: While all other fuel types are trending upwards, E85 prices have remained stable at approximately 229.9 cpl across most capital cities.
• National average at record levels: The national average for U91 now sits at 231.32 cpl, reflecting the widespread nature of the current price hike.

Capital City Price Comparison

The following table compares the average prices for Unleaded 91 (U91) across Australia's capital cities for the period ending 20 March 2026.

Price Trends by Fuel Type

This table outlines the national average price trends across all major fuel types available at Australian service stations.

Looking Ahead

The immediate outlook for Australian motorists remains challenging. With prices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane currently in the rising phase of the petrol price cycle, we expect averages to continue climbing over the next 7 to 10 days before reaching a peak. Adelaide has seen an exceptionally rapid increase, suggesting its peak may arrive sooner than the other major capitals.

Over the next 3 to 4 weeks, we anticipate that prices may begin to stabilise and slowly decline as the cycle moves into its discounting phase. However, diesel remains a concern; the massive jumps seen in Victoria and New South Wales this week suggest that diesel prices may remain elevated for a longer period due to global supply constraints. Motorists are advised to monitor prices closely and fill up when they see a station that has not yet adjusted its prices to the new market highs.

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. Whether you are fueling up for the daily commute or have traveled across state lines, knowing where the lowest prices are can help you manage your household budget more effectively.

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 analysing local trends, you can avoid the stations that have already hiked their prices and find those that are still offering value.

Available on both iOS and Android mobile 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. No matter where you are in Australia, our real-time updates ensure you never pay more than necessary at the bowser.

Download the FuelRadar app today and join thousands of motorists who are saving on every fill-up!

Conclusion

The past week has been one of the most expensive for Australian drivers in recent months. With the trend firmly set to "Rising" for almost every fuel type and region, it is more important than ever to be proactive. By using tools like FuelRadar and timing your purchases where possible, you can mitigate the impact of these price hikes. Stay tuned for our next report as we continue to monitor the market for any signs of a downward turn in the price cycle.