FuelRadar Weekly Fuel Price Report
Date: 7 April 2026
Reporting Period: 30 March 2026 to 5 April 2026
Overview
Motorists across Australia experienced significant relief at the bowser this week, with petrol prices plunging across all major capital cities and regional centres. Following a period of elevated costs, the latest data for the week ending 5 April 2026 indicates that we are currently in the sharp discounting phase of the fuel price cycle. The national average for Unleaded 91 (U91) dropped remarkably to 242.77 cents per litre (cpl), driven by aggressive retail competition and favourable wholesale market conditions. While diesel prices also trended downwards, the reductions were more modest compared to the steep drops seen in regular and premium unleaded petrol.
Current fuel prices and prediction
The past week has been characterised by a universal downward trend in petrol prices, offering an excellent opportunity for motorists to fill up their tanks. Here are the key highlights and trends from the week:
- Massive Unleaded Drops: Unleaded 91 prices fell by an extraordinary 11% to 14% across the capital cities. Adelaide and Perth led the charge, recording massive average price drops of 35.61 cpl and 34.89 cpl respectively.
- Diesel Reductions Slower: While diesel (DSL) and premium diesel (PDSL) prices are falling, the descent is much slower, averaging a 4% to 6% drop. The national average for diesel currently sits at 312.79 cpl.
- Cheapest and Most Expensive Capitals: Perth is currently the cheapest capital city for U91 at an average of 240.12 cpl. Conversely, Melbourne is the most expensive capital for U91 at 247.59 cpl, despite recording a nearly 30 cpl drop over the week.
- Regional Relief: Regional centres are also benefitting from the downward cycle. Cities like Newcastle, Townsville, and Cairns are all recording U91 averages below the national average.
- Short-term Prediction: With prices falling so sharply, we anticipate that the major east coast capitals (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) are rapidly approaching the bottom of their respective price cycles. Motorists should capitalise on these lower prices now before the inevitable retail margin reset pushes prices back up.
Capital City Price Comparison
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of Unleaded 91 (U91) prices across all Australian capital cities for the reporting period. All prices are listed in cents per litre (cpl).
| City | Fuel Type | Average Price | Min Price | Max Price | Price Change | Percent Change | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Unleaded 91 | 242.92 | 227.76 | 258.16 | -30.14 | -11.69% | Falling |
| Melbourne | Unleaded 91 | 247.59 | 228.56 | 258.92 | -29.98 | -11.60% | Falling |
| Brisbane | Unleaded 91 | 242.28 | 227.06 | 258.66 | -31.27 | -12.10% | Falling |
| Perth | Unleaded 91 | 240.12 | 221.25 | 256.14 | -34.89 | -13.62% | Falling |
| Adelaide | Unleaded 91 | 240.91 | 223.96 | 259.57 | -35.61 | -13.72% | Falling |
| Canberra | Unleaded 91 | 241.19 | 225.06 | 258.07 | -32.82 | -12.73% | Falling |
| Darwin | Unleaded 91 | 245.53 | 229.76 | 263.59 | -33.30 | -12.65% | Falling |
| Hobart | Unleaded 91 | 242.14 | 228.15 | 257.51 | -29.36 | -11.40% | Falling |
Price Trends by Fuel Type
The following table outlines the national average prices across different fuel types, highlighting the cheapest and most expensive locations to help you analyse the broader market.
| Fuel Type | National Average | Cheapest Market | Most Expensive Market | Overall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded 91 (U91) | 242.77 cpl | Perth (240.12 cpl) | Melbourne (247.59 cpl) | Falling |
| Ethanol 10 (E10) | 239.45 cpl | Hobart (231.59 cpl) | Melbourne (246.21 cpl) | Falling |
| Diesel (DSL) | 312.79 cpl | Perth (309.72 cpl) | Sunshine Coast (318.26 cpl) | Falling |
| Premium Diesel (PDSL) | 314.07 cpl | Adelaide (311.63 cpl) | Geelong (316.54 cpl) | Falling |
| Premium 95 (P95) | 258.22 cpl | Newcastle (256.04 cpl) | Darwin (262.35 cpl) | Falling |
| Premium 98 (P98) | 267.90 cpl | Hobart (264.99 cpl) | Darwin (276.75 cpl) | Falling |
| Ethanol 85 (E85) | 248.06 cpl | Darwin (239.90 cpl) | Melbourne (250.01 cpl) | Stable |
Looking Ahead
Over the next three to four weeks, we expect the fuel price landscape to shift significantly. In the major east coast capitals of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, the current discounting phase is likely to bottom out within the next 5 to 7 days. Once the cycle turns, motorists should prepare for a sharp hike in prices, potentially seeing U91 jump back towards the 270 cpl mark overnight. We strongly advise drivers in these cities to top up their tanks immediately to maximise their savings.
For Perth, the regular weekly cycle will continue, making Tuesday the optimal day for fuelling up. In Adelaide, the cycle remains somewhat unpredictable, but the current deep discounts suggest a hike is imminent. Meanwhile, motorists in Hobart, Canberra, and Darwin, as well as those travelling through regional centres, can expect prices to continue their slow, steady decline as retail margins gradually adjust to wholesale drops.
Save Money with FuelRadar
With fuel prices constantly fluctuating and the difference between the cheapest and most expensive stations often exceeding 30 cents per litre, 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 petrol and diesel prices in your neighbourhood, updated in real-time.
FuelRadar's user-friendly interface allows you to quickly organise and compare prices across different service stations, helping you make informed decisions before filling up. The app's interactive map feature shows you exactly where to find the best deals, ensuring you never pay more than you have to. Whether you are doing the daily commute or travelling across the country, FuelRadar takes the guesswork out of fuelling your vehicle.
Available on both iOS and Android mobile devices, FuelRadar puts the power to optimise your fuel budget right in your hands. For those who prefer to plan their journeys from a computer, you can also access our comprehensive service via our website at /map for desktop planning.
Don't let the next price hike catch you off guard. Download the FuelRadar app today and join thousands of Australian motorists who are saving money on every single fill-up!
Conclusion
The first week of April has delivered a much-needed reprieve for Australian motorists, with aggressive discounting driving prices down significantly across the nation. However, the cyclical nature of the retail fuel market means these lows will not last forever. By staying informed, monitoring local trends, and utilising digital tools to find the cheapest local stations, drivers can successfully navigate the volatility of the market and keep their transport costs in check.
