Weekly Fuel Price Report
Published: 4 April 2026
Reporting Period: 23 March 2026 to 29 March 2026
Welcome to the FuelRadar weekly fuel report. Across Australia, motorists are experiencing a noticeable surge in petrol and diesel prices, with the national average for Unleaded 91 rising to 251.95 cents per litre (cpl). All major capital cities have seen an upward trend across all fuel types, driven by global crude oil fluctuations, a weaker Australian dollar, and local wholesale price cycles reaching their peaks in major metropolitan centres. Diesel prices have also climbed significantly, breaking the 300 cpl mark nationally and putting additional pressure on the transport sector.
Current fuel prices and prediction
- National Averages on the Rise: The national average for U91 is currently 251.95 cpl. Melbourne offers the cheapest capital city average at 247.98 cpl, while Darwin remains the most expensive at 257.11 cpl.
- Diesel Breaking Records: Diesel (DSL) and Premium Diesel (PDSL) have seen steep increases of around 7% to 9% across most markets. The national average for standard diesel has hit a staggering 307.33 cpl.
- Ethanol Blends: Ethanol-blended fuel (E10) remains a slightly cheaper alternative, averaging 248.63 cpl nationally, though it too is tracking on a rising trend in line with standard unleaded petrol.
- Premium Fuels: Premium unleaded options (P95 and P98) have increased by approximately 4% to 6%, pushing the national average of P98 to 277.10 cpl.
- Cycle Predictions: We analyse that prices in major eastern capitals (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) are nearing the top of their current price cycles. We expect these markets to begin their discounting phase soon, while Perth’s weekly cycle will continue its predictable Tuesday peak.
Capital City Price Comparison
The table below outlines the price movements for Regular Unleaded 91 (U91) across Australia's capital cities during the reporting period.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Canberra | Unleaded 91 | 251.54 cpl | 244.58 cpl | 257.44 cpl | +12.86 cpl | 5.26% | Rising |
Price Trends by Fuel Type
The following table highlights the national averages and the price spread across all monitored regions for each fuel type.
| Fuel Type | National Average | Cheapest Market | Most Expensive Market | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded 91 (U91) | 251.95 cpl | Melbourne (247.98 cpl) | Darwin (257.11 cpl) | Rising |
| Ethanol 10 (E10) | 248.63 cpl | Geelong (244.91 cpl) | Townsville (250.32 cpl) | Rising |
| Premium 95 (P95) | 267.49 cpl | Geelong (261.65 cpl) | Darwin (273.35 cpl) | Rising |
| Premium 98 (P98) | 277.10 cpl | Geelong (271.40 cpl) | Darwin (285.32 cpl) | Rising |
| Diesel (DSL) | 307.33 cpl | Melbourne (301.95 cpl) | Wollongong (310.87 cpl) | Rising |
| Premium Diesel (PDSL) | 308.43 cpl | Melbourne (302.24 cpl) | Darwin (311.68 cpl) | Rising |
| Ethanol 85 (E85) | 236.96 cpl | Geelong (232.76 cpl) | Brisbane/Gold Coast (238.47 cpl) | Rising |
Looking Ahead
With the current upward trend across all fuel types, motorists in cycle-driven markets like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide are presently facing the peak of the retail price cycle. Over the next 3 to 4 weeks, we anticipate these markets will enter the discounting phase. Motorists in these cities are advised to buy only the petrol they need to safely get by, holding off on a full tank until prices drop closer to the wholesale benchmark.
In regulated or more stable markets like Hobart, Canberra, and Darwin, prices are expected to remain elevated but steady, reflecting the recent increases in international refined product costs.
For drivers of diesel vehicles, the outlook is unfortunately less forgiving. Sustained high prices above the 300 cpl mark are being driven by strong global agricultural and industrial demand. We do not foresee a significant drop in diesel prices in the immediate short term, so optimising your fuel efficiency and shopping around for the best local price remains critical.
Save Money with FuelRadar
With fuel prices constantly fluctuating and reaching new highs, finding the best deal in your local area can save you significant money over time. The FuelRadar app is your essential tool for locating the cheapest petrol and diesel prices in your neighbourhood, updated in real-time by our dedicated community of motorists.
FuelRadar's user-friendly interface allows you to quickly compare prices across different service stations, helping you make informed decisions before fuelling up. The app's interactive map feature shows you exactly where to find the best deals, saving you both time and money. Whether you are commuting to the city centre or travelling regionally, you can easily identify where to stop for the most cost-effective fill-up.
Available for download on both your iOS and Android mobile devices, FuelRadar puts the power to save directly in your hands. You can also access our comprehensive mapping service via our website at fuelradar.com.au/map for convenient desktop planning before you hit the road.
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