FuelRadar Weekly Fuel Report: 18 May – 24 May 2026
Welcome to the FuelRadar weekly fuel report for the period of 18 May to 24 May 2026 (published 30 May 2026). Over the past week, Australian motorists have navigated a mixed landscape of fuel prices. The national average for Unleaded 91 (U91) currently sits at 183.02 cents per litre (cpl). While petrol price cycles continue to fluctuate across our major capital cities, the most notable trend this week is the uniform drop in diesel prices nationwide, offering welcome financial relief to transport, logistics, and diesel vehicle owners.
Current fuel prices and prediction
- Diesel Relief: Diesel (DSL) and Premium Diesel (PDSL) prices are falling across almost all major centres. The national average for Diesel has dropped to 230.01 cpl. Cities like Melbourne (-7.79 cpl) and Hobart (-6.33 cpl) saw the most significant weekly decreases in diesel costs.
- Stable Major Hubs: Unleaded 91 prices in Sydney (-0.65%), Brisbane (-0.48%), and Adelaide (-0.76%) experienced minor falls or remained stable. This indicates these markets are either resting at the bottom of their respective price cycles or transitioning slowly.
- Prices on the Rise: Perth and Hobart motorists are facing the upward phase of the cycle. Perth saw U91 jump by 5.15 cpl (2.91%), while Hobart experienced a 4.66 cpl (2.55%) increase.
- Cheapest and Most Expensive: Adelaide remains the most affordable capital city to fill up with Unleaded 91, averaging 176.63 cpl. In contrast, Darwin continues to be the most expensive capital for U91 at 191.67 cpl.
- Canberra's Diesel Premium: Motorists in the ACT are paying a hefty premium for diesel, with Canberra recording the highest average diesel price in the country at a staggering 260.59 cpl—well above the national average.
Capital City Price Comparison
The following table outlines 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 | $1.87 | $1.87 | $1.88 | -$0.01 | -0.65% | Stable |
| Melbourne | Unleaded 91 | $1.86 | $1.85 | $1.88 | +$0.01 | 0.48% | Stable |
| Brisbane | Unleaded 91 | $1.86 | $1.86 | $1.87 | -$0.01 | -0.48% | Stable |
| Perth | Unleaded 91 | $1.81 | $1.74 | $1.88 | +$0.05 | 2.91% | Rising |
| Adelaide | Unleaded 91 | $1.77 | $1.75 | $1.78 | -$0.01 | -0.76% | Stable |
| Hobart | Unleaded 91 | $1.85 | $1.83 | $1.87 | +$0.05 | 2.55% | Rising |
| Darwin | Unleaded 91 | $1.92 | $1.91 | $1.93 | $0.00 | -0.09% | Stable |
| Canberra | Unleaded 91 | $1.84 | $1.83 | $1.84 | +$0.01 | 0.66% | Stable |
Price Trends by Fuel Type
A snapshot of national averages and the extremes for various fuel types across the country.
| Fuel Type | National Average | Cheapest City | Most Expensive City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded 91 (U91) | $1.83 | Adelaide ($1.77) | Darwin ($1.92) |
| Ethanol 10 (E10) | $1.79 | Adelaide ($1.67) | Sydney ($1.86) |
| Diesel (DSL) | $2.30 | Perth ($2.17) | Canberra ($2.61) |
| Premium Diesel (PDSL) | $2.32 | Adelaide ($2.24) | Canberra ($2.55) |
| Premium 95 (P95) | $1.99 | Geelong ($1.93) | Darwin ($2.09) |
| Premium 98 (P98) | $2.08 | Adelaide ($2.02) | Darwin ($2.23) |
| E85 | $2.37 | Brisbane ($2.30) | Melbourne ($2.50) |
Looking Ahead
Over the next three to four weeks, motorists in the eastern capitals (Sydney and Brisbane) should prepare for the bottom of their price cycles to end. We anticipate prices will begin to climb sharply as the new cycle takes effect, so topping up your tank now is highly recommended. Melbourne is currently experiencing stable pricing, but historical data suggests volatility may return by mid-June.
For diesel drivers, the outlook remains positive. The current downward trend in global middle-distillate prices is slowly filtering through to the bowser. We expect diesel prices to either continue their gradual fall or stabilise at these lower rates throughout June, giving regional travellers and freight operators a much-needed break.
Save Money with FuelRadar
With fuel prices constantly fluctuating, 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 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 on every journey you undertake.
Available on both iOS and Android mobile devices, FuelRadar puts the power to save directly in your hands. You can also access the service via our website at /map for desktop planning, allowing you to analyse routes and optimise your fuel stops before you even leave the house.
Download the FuelRadar app today and join thousands of Australian motorists who are taking control of their travel costs and saving on every fill-up!
Conclusion
While the cost of living continues to challenge Australian households, staying informed about local fuel price cycles remains one of the most effective ways to manage your weekly budget. Take advantage of the current diesel price drops and keep a close eye on petrol cycles to ensure you are filling up at the bottom of the curve. Safe travels on the roads this week.
