FuelRadar Weekly Fuel Report
Report Period: 11 May 2026 to 17 May 2026
Published: 24 May 2026
Overview of the Current Fuel Price Situation
Welcome to the latest weekly fuel report from FuelRadar. As we analyse the data for the week ending 17 May 2026, motorists across Australia are experiencing a mixed bag at the petrol bowser. While unleaded petrol prices are currently in the upward phase of their respective price cycles in several eastern capital cities, we are seeing welcome relief for diesel drivers, with diesel prices falling uniformly across the nation.
The national average for Unleaded 91 (U91) currently sits at 180.60 cents per litre (cpl), while the national average for diesel has dropped to 235.55 cpl. Whether you are commuting to the city centre or travelling across the country, understanding these local cycles is key to helping you optimise your weekly fuel budget.
Current Fuel Prices and Prediction
- Diesel Relief: Diesel prices are trending downwards across all monitored markets. Hobart saw the most significant drop, falling by 13.03 cpl to an average of 240.68 cpl, while Perth remains the cheapest capital for diesel at 224.30 cpl.
- Eastern Seaboard Petrol Cycles: Unleaded 91 prices are rising in Sydney (up 3.29%), Brisbane (up 3.11%), and Adelaide (up 1.61%). Motorists in these cities should expect prices to peak shortly before beginning their downward trajectory.
- Favourable Conditions in Victoria and WA: Melbourne and Perth drivers are currently benefiting from falling U91 prices. Melbourne saw a 5.17 cpl drop (down 2.81%), while Perth prices fell by 3.58 cpl.
- Cheapest and Most Expensive Markets: The Gold Coast is currently the cheapest market in the country for U91 at an average of 175.27 cpl. Conversely, Darwin remains the most expensive at 191.58 cpl, despite a slight downward trend.
- Premium Fuels: Premium Unleaded (P95 and P98) largely mirror the trends of U91 in their respective cities, while E85 prices remain highly stable across the board with 0% change in most markets.
Capital City Price Comparison
The table below highlights the performance of Unleaded 91 across Australia's capital cities for the reporting period.
| City | Fuel Type | Average Price | Min Price | Max Price | Price Change | Percent Change | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Unleaded 91 | $1.82 | $1.79 | $1.88 | +$0.06 | 3.29% | Rising |
| Melbourne | Unleaded 91 | $1.82 | $1.79 | $1.84 | -$0.05 | -2.81% | Falling |
| Brisbane | Unleaded 91 | $1.81 | $1.80 | $1.85 | +$0.06 | 3.11% | Rising |
| Perth | Unleaded 91 | $1.79 | $1.74 | $1.85 | -$0.04 | -1.98% | Falling |
| Adelaide | Unleaded 91 | $1.77 | $1.74 | $1.82 | +$0.03 | 1.61% | Rising |
| Hobart | Unleaded 91 | $1.85 | $1.83 | $1.88 | -$0.05 | -2.69% | Falling |
| Canberra | Unleaded 91 | $1.83 | $1.82 | $1.85 | -$0.02 | -1.05% | Falling |
| Darwin | Unleaded 91 | $1.92 | $1.91 | $1.93 | -$0.02 | -1.01% | Falling |
Price Trends by Fuel Type
To give you a broader picture of how different fuel types are performing nationally, the table below outlines the national averages alongside the cheapest and most expensive regional or capital city markets for each fuel grade.
| Fuel Type | National Average | Cheapest Market | Cheapest Avg Price | Most Expensive Market | Highest Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded 91 | $1.81 | Gold Coast | $1.75 | Darwin | $1.92 |
| E10 | $1.77 | Adelaide | $1.71 | Canberra | $1.81 |
| Premium 95 | $1.97 | Geelong | $1.91 | Darwin | $2.09 |
| Premium 98 | $2.06 | Gold Coast | $2.00 | Darwin | $2.23 |
| Diesel | $2.36 | Perth | $2.24 | Canberra | $2.61 |
| Premium Diesel | $2.38 | Adelaide | $2.29 | Canberra | $2.58 |
| E85 | $2.37 | Brisbane / Adelaide | $2.30 | Melbourne | $2.50 |
Looking Ahead
Over the next three to four weeks, we anticipate a shift in the current petrol price cycles. For motorists in Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide, the current rising trend suggests that prices will soon hit the peak of their cycle. Once this peak is reached, we expect to see a steady decline, meaning drivers who can hold off on filling their tanks completely may benefit from cheaper prices towards the middle of June.
In Melbourne and Perth, where prices are currently falling, the bottom of the cycle is approaching. Perth's highly regulated weekly cycle means drivers should continue to target Tuesdays for their cheapest fill-ups. Melbourne drivers, however, should keep a close eye on the bowser, as prices are likely to bottom out in the coming week before the cycle abruptly resets and prices jump again.
For diesel and premium diesel users, the outlook remains highly favourable. The steady decline of wholesale diesel prices globally is filtering through to the retail level. We predict that diesel prices will continue their slow, steady fall or at least stabilise at these lower levels over the next month, easing the burden on transport, logistics, and everyday diesel drivers.
Save Money with FuelRadar
With fuel prices constantly fluctuating and different cities experiencing entirely different price cycles, 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 fuel prices in your neighbourhood, updated in real-time. Whether you're commuting to the city centre or heading out on a long road trip, having access to accurate data ensures you never pay more than you have to.
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 map feature shows you exactly where to find the best deals, saving you both time and money. By identifying the bottom of the price cycle in your specific suburb, you can optimise your fill-ups and stretch your budget further.
Available on both iOS and Android mobile devices, FuelRadar puts the power to save directly into your hands. You can also access the service via our website at /map for desktop planning, which is perfect for mapping out fuel stops before you have even travelled a single kilometre.
Don't let volatile petrol and diesel prices dictate your spending. Download the FuelRadar app today and join thousands of motorists who are saving on every fill-up!
Disclaimer: Fuel prices are highly volatile and subject to change. The data provided in this report is based on averages calculated between 11 May 2026 and 17 May 2026. Always check the FuelRadar app for the most current pricing in your local area.
