Weekly Fuel Price Report
Published: May 1, 2026
Reporting Period: 20 April 2026 to 26 April 2026
Introduction
Welcome to the FuelRadar weekly fuel report. As we review the data for the week ending 26 April 2026, motorists across Australia will be pleased to recognise a highly favourable environment at the petrol bowser. After several turbulent weeks, the national fuel market has experienced a substantial downward shift, offering welcome relief for household budgets. Whether you are navigating a busy city centre or have travelled across regional areas, fuelling up is significantly cheaper this week across almost all fuel categories.
Current fuel prices and prediction
- Massive Drops in Unleaded: Unleaded 91 (U91) prices have plummeted across all major capital cities. Melbourne motorists saw the largest percentage drop at nearly 12%, with prices falling by an average of 24.52 cents per litre.
- Adelaide Leads the Pack: Adelaide currently boasts the cheapest U91 petrol in the country, averaging just 184.09 cents per litre, closely followed by Perth at 188.81 cents per litre.
- Diesel Drivers Win Big: Diesel drivers are the biggest winners this week, with average prices falling by over 40 cents per litre in Brisbane, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast. The national average for diesel has dropped to 276.21 cents per litre.
- The Top End Remains Costly: Darwin remains the most expensive capital city for fuel. However, local motorists are still seeing relief, with U91 dropping by 8.82 cents per litre and diesel falling by an impressive 33.31 cents per litre.
- Prediction: With the global oil market stabilising and local wholesale costs reflecting recent drops, we anticipate these lower prices to hold in the short term. However, eastern seaboard capitals are rapidly approaching the bottom of their price cycles.
Capital City Price Comparison
The table below highlights the performance of 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 | $1.91 | $1.82 | $2.03 | -$0.20 | -9.93% | Falling |
| Melbourne | Unleaded 91 | $1.95 | $1.82 | $2.07 | -$0.25 | -11.87% | Falling |
| Brisbane | Unleaded 91 | $1.91 | $1.81 | $2.05 | -$0.23 | -11.37% | Falling |
| Perth | Unleaded 91 | $1.89 | $1.81 | $1.96 | -$0.15 | -7.88% | Falling |
| Adelaide | Unleaded 91 | $1.84 | $1.76 | $1.96 | -$0.20 | -10.26% | Falling |
| Canberra | Unleaded 91 | $1.96 | $1.89 | $2.08 | -$0.19 | -9.22% | Falling |
| Hobart | Unleaded 91 | $1.94 | $1.90 | $1.98 | -$0.08 | -4.18% | Falling |
| Darwin | Unleaded 91 | $2.05 | $1.97 | $2.06 | -$0.09 | -4.28% | Falling |
Price Trends by Fuel Type
The following table outlines the national averages and extremes for various fuel types across the country.
| Fuel Type | National Average | Cheapest City | Most Expensive City | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded 91 | $1.94 | Adelaide ($1.84) | Darwin ($2.05) | Falling |
| E10 | $1.90 | Adelaide ($1.79) | Townsville ($1.95) | Falling |
| Diesel | $2.76 | Perth ($2.67) | Darwin ($2.91) | Falling |
| Premium Diesel | $2.80 | Adelaide ($2.69) | Geelong ($2.90) | Falling |
| Premium 95 | $2.10 | Adelaide ($2.01) | Darwin ($2.21) | Falling |
| Premium 98 | $2.19 | Adelaide ($2.09) | Darwin ($2.43) | Falling |
Looking Ahead
Over the next three to four weeks, we expect the pricing cycles in major eastern centres—namely Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—to reach their absolute bottom. Motorists in these cities should look to fill up their tanks now to optimise their savings before retailers inevitably hike prices to begin the next cycle. Perth motorists will continue to see their regular weekly price cycle, making Tuesday the ideal day for fuelling up.
For regional areas, the aggressive price drops seen in diesel and unleaded petrol should continue to filter through. Because regional cycles move slower than capital cities, regional drivers should see prices continue to ease steadily over the coming month. We advise holding off on completely filling large diesel tanks if possible, as diesel prices may drop another few cents before stabilising.
Save Money with FuelRadar
With fuel prices constantly fluctuating and price cycles varying wildly between cities, 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 petrol and diesel prices in your area, updated in real-time.
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 interactive map feature shows you exactly where to find the best deals, saving you both time and money on every journey.
Available on both iOS and Android mobile devices, FuelRadar puts the power to save directly in your hands. Whether you are navigating the city centre or heading out on a long drive, you can rely on our accurate data to keep your motoring costs down. You can also access the service via our website at /map for easy desktop planning.
Don't pay more than you have to at the bowser. Download the FuelRadar app today and join thousands of savvy Australian motorists who are actively saving on every fill-up!
Conclusion
This week's dramatic price drops offer a fantastic opportunity for Australian motorists to save at the pump. By staying informed and tracking local price cycles, you can significantly reduce your weekly motoring costs. Stay safe on the roads, and we will be back next week with the latest fuel price insights.
