Weekly Fuel Price Report
Published: 1 April 2026
Reporting Period: 23 March 2026 to 29 March 2026
Introduction
Welcome to the FuelRadar weekly fuel report. As we analyse the pricing data across Australian capital cities and regional centres for the final week of March 2026, it is clear that motorists are facing significant pressure at the bowser. Over the past week, retail prices for both petrol and diesel have universally trended upwards, reflecting a sharp and aggressive upward phase in the retail price cycle. With the national average for Unleaded 91 now sitting at 251.95 cents per litre (cpl) and diesel breaching the 307 cpl mark, finding value has become paramount for all drivers.
Current fuel prices and prediction
- Universal Price Hikes: Every capital city and regional centre monitored has recorded rising prices across all fuel types, with week-on-week increases for Unleaded 91 ranging from 4% to over 6%.
- Cheapest Capital: Melbourne currently offers the most affordable Unleaded 91 among the capital cities at an average of 247.98 cpl, closely followed by Sydney at 250.95 cpl.
- Most Expensive Capital: Darwin motorists are paying the highest premium for Unleaded 91, with average prices hitting 257.11 cpl.
- Diesel Surges: Diesel drivers are bearing the brunt of the hikes, with average prices surging by over 20 cpl in most locations. The national average for diesel is now a staggering 307.33 cpl.
- Prediction: The market is firmly entrenched in the rising phase of the cycle. We anticipate that prices in the major eastern capitals will peak in the coming days before the slow discounting phase begins.
Capital City Price Comparison
The table below outlines the performance of Unleaded 91 (U91) across Australia's capital cities over the past week.
| City | Fuel Type | Average Price | Min Price | Max Price | Price Change | Percent Change | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Unleaded 91 | 250.95 cpl | 244.30 cpl | 256.43 cpl | +12.13 cpl | 4.97% | Rising |
| Melbourne | Unleaded 91 | 247.98 cpl | 242.27 cpl | 254.71 cpl | +12.44 cpl | 5.13% | Rising |
| Brisbane | Unleaded 91 | 250.69 cpl | 242.08 cpl | 256.67 cpl | +14.59 cpl | 6.03% | Rising |
| Perth | Unleaded 91 | 252.37 cpl | 245.03 cpl | 258.39 cpl | +10.39 cpl | 4.22% | Rising |
| Adelaide | Unleaded 91 | 254.77 cpl | 248.69 cpl | 259.57 cpl | +10.88 cpl | 4.37% | Rising |
| Canberra | Unleaded 91 | 251.54 cpl | 244.58 cpl | 257.44 cpl | +12.86 cpl | 5.26% | Rising |
| Hobart | Unleaded 91 | 255.83 cpl | 249.20 cpl | 259.52 cpl | +8.61 cpl | 3.46% | Rising |
| Darwin | Unleaded 91 | 257.11 cpl | 249.36 cpl | 263.08 cpl | +13.72 cpl | 5.50% | Rising |
Price Trends by Fuel Type
A broader look at the national averages highlights the disparity between different fuel grades and regional markets.
| Fuel Type | National Average | Cheapest Market | Most Expensive Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded 91 (U91) | 251.95 cpl | Melbourne (247.98 cpl) | Darwin (257.11 cpl) |
| Ethanol 10 (E10) | 248.63 cpl | Geelong (244.91 cpl) | Townsville (250.32 cpl) |
| Diesel (DSL) | 307.33 cpl | Melbourne (301.95 cpl) | Wollongong (310.87 cpl) |
| Premium Diesel (PDSL) | 308.43 cpl | Melbourne (302.24 cpl) | Darwin (311.68 cpl) |
| Premium 95 (P95) | 267.49 cpl | Geelong (261.65 cpl) | Darwin (273.35 cpl) |
| Premium 98 (P98) | 277.10 cpl | Geelong (271.40 cpl) | Darwin (285.32 cpl) |
| E85 | 236.96 cpl | Geelong (232.76 cpl) | Multiple Cities (238.47 cpl) |
Looking Ahead
As we look towards the next three to four weeks, the petrol price cycle in major eastern seaboard capitals (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) is expected to reach the top of its curve in the coming days. Because prices have climbed so rapidly, we predict a gradual discounting phase will soon commence, offering some much-needed relief to motorists fuelling up in mid-to-late April.
However, diesel drivers should not expect immediate or significant relief. The diesel market remains tightly constrained by global supply factors and high wholesale costs, meaning retail prices are likely to remain elevated around the 300 to 310 cpl mark for the foreseeable future. Motorists planning long trips or travelling through regional centres should strategise their refuelling stops and take advantage of local variations where possible.
Save Money with FuelRadar
With petrol and diesel prices constantly fluctuating and reaching historic highs, finding the best deal in your local neighbourhood can save you significant money over time. The FuelRadar app is your essential tool for locating the cheapest fuel prices in your area, updated in real-time to ensure you never pay more than you have to.
FuelRadar's user-friendly interface allows you to quickly analyse and compare prices across different service stations, helping you make informed decisions before fuelling up. The app's map feature shows you exactly where to find the best deals on your regular routes, saving you both time and hard-earned money.
Available to download on both iOS and Android mobile devices, FuelRadar puts the power to optimise your fuel budget right in your hands. You can also access the service via our website at /map for convenient desktop planning before you hit the road.
Don't let the rising price cycle dictate your travel costs. Download the FuelRadar app today and join thousands of savvy Australian motorists who are saving on every fill-up!
Conclusion
With the current cycle pushing prices to uncomfortable highs, vigilance at the bowser has never been more critical. We will continue to monitor the wholesale and retail markets closely over the coming weeks to track the anticipated discounting phase. Drive safely, plan your journeys, and remember to check your local prices before you travel.
