Weekly Fuel Price Report: 11 May to 17 May 2026
Welcome to the FuelRadar weekly fuel report for the period of 11 May to 17 May 2026. As we analyse the latest data across Australia, motorists are experiencing a mixed landscape at the bowser. While petrol prices are currently rising in several eastern capitals due to the cyclical nature of the market, diesel drivers will be pleased to see a universal drop in prices across all major cities and regional centres.
Current fuel prices and prediction
- Petrol cycles diverging: Regular Unleaded (U91) prices are on the rise in Sydney (up 5.97 cpl), Brisbane (up 5.59 cpl), and Adelaide (up 2.89 cpl), signalling the upward phase of their respective retail price cycles.
- Relief in southern capitals: Melbourne and Hobart are seeing U91 prices fall by 5.17 cpl and 5.05 cpl respectively, offering a favourable window for motorists to fill up.
- Diesel continues to drop: Diesel prices have fallen universally across the country. Hobart saw the largest drop of 13.03 cpl, while Perth remains the cheapest capital for diesel at an average of 224.30 cpl.
- Regional vs Capital: The Gold Coast currently boasts the cheapest U91 in the country at an average of 175.27 cpl, while Darwin remains the most expensive capital at 191.58 cpl.
Capital City Price Comparison
The table below outlines the average prices and trends for Regular Unleaded 91 across Australia's capital cities for the past week.
| City | Fuel Type | Average Price | Min Price | Max Price | Price Change | Percent Change | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Unleaded 91 | $1.81 | $1.79 | $1.87 | $0.06 | 3.29% | Rising |
| Melbourne | Unleaded 91 | $1.81 | $1.78 | $1.84 | -$0.05 | -2.81% | Falling |
| Brisbane | Unleaded 91 | $1.81 | $1.79 | $1.85 | $0.05 | 3.11% | Rising |
| Perth | Unleaded 91 | $1.78 | $1.73 | $1.84 | -$0.03 | -1.98% | Falling |
| Adelaide | Unleaded 91 | $1.77 | $1.74 | $1.82 | $0.02 | 1.61% | Rising |
| Hobart | Unleaded 91 | $1.84 | $1.82 | $1.87 | -$0.05 | -2.69% | Falling |
| Darwin | Unleaded 91 | $1.91 | $1.90 | $1.92 | -$0.01 | -1.01% | Falling |
| Canberra | Unleaded 91 | $1.82 | $1.82 | $1.85 | -$0.01 | -1.05% | Falling |
Price Trends by Fuel Type
Here is a snapshot of the national average prices across different fuel types, highlighting the cheapest and most expensive markets for each.
| Fuel Type | National Average | Cheapest Market | Lowest Avg Price | Most Expensive Market | Highest Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded 91 | $1.80 | Gold Coast | $1.75 | Darwin | $1.91 |
| E10 | $1.76 | Adelaide | $1.70 | Canberra | $1.81 |
| Diesel | $2.35 | Perth | $2.24 | Canberra | $2.61 |
| Premium Diesel | $2.37 | Adelaide | $2.29 | Canberra | $2.57 |
| Premium 95 | $1.96 | Geelong | $1.91 | Darwin | $2.08 |
| Premium 98 | $2.05 | Gold Coast | $2.00 | Darwin | $2.23 |
| E85 | $2.36 | Brisbane / Adelaide | $2.29 | Melbourne | $2.50 |
Looking Ahead
Over the next three to four weeks, we expect to see the following trends play out across the major markets:
- Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide: With U91 prices currently rising, we anticipate these markets will peak within the next week. Following the peak, a slow discounting cycle should commence, meaning motorists who can hold off should see more favourable prices towards the end of May and into early June.
- Melbourne: The current falling trend suggests prices are approaching the bottom of the cycle. Motorists should take advantage of these lower prices now before the inevitable sharp hike occurs in the coming weeks.
- Perth: Operating on its standard weekly price cycle, Tuesday will remain the cheapest day to fill up, while Wednesday will see prices spike. Motorists should continue to organise their fuelling routines around this predictable pattern.
- Diesel Outlook: The consistent drop in diesel prices is a welcome relief for freight and regional drivers. We expect this downward trend to stabilise over the next fortnight, hovering around current levels unless international refined diesel benchmarks shift significantly.
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Conclusion
Whether you are driving a petrol or diesel vehicle, staying informed about local price cycles is the best way to optimise your fuel budget. With diesel prices providing some much-needed relief and petrol cycles varying wildly from state to state, timing your visit to the service station has never been more important. Stay safe on the roads, and we will return next week with further updates and analysis.
