Weekly Fuel Price Report: 10 July to 16 July 2026

Welcome to the FuelRadar weekly fuel report for the period of 10 July 2026 to 16 July 2026. As we analyse the data across Australia for the past week, the overarching narrative is a tale of two fuels: while unleaded petrol prices have largely stabilised across our major eastern capitals, diesel drivers have faced significant price hikes nationwide. Whether you are commuting to the city centre or travelling across the country, staying informed on these trends is essential for optimising your fuel budget.

Reported fuel prices and forecast

• Diesel on the rise: Diesel (DSL) saw sharp increases across almost all markets. The most significant jumps were observed on the Gold Coast (+12.20 cpl) and Central Coast (+11.09 cpl), with major capitals like Brisbane (+9.33 cpl) and Sydney (+8.90 cpl) following closely behind.
• Petrol remains stable in major centres: Unleaded 91 (U91) and E10 averages remained remarkably flat in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Canberra. Sydney and Brisbane saw only marginal upward movement of less than 2 cpl.
• Regional spikes: The Gold Coast experienced a significant surge in petrol prices, with U91 jumping 13.00 cpl (7.89%) to an average of 170.00 cpl, signalling the start of a new price cycle in the region.
• Premium fuels hold steady: Premium Unleaded 98 (P98) saw minimal movement across most capital cities, providing some predictability for drivers requiring higher-octane fuel.
• Forecast: We expect diesel prices to plateau in the coming week as the recent wholesale increases are fully absorbed by retailers. For unleaded petrol, eastern capitals are likely to begin their gradual discounting phase over the next two to three weeks.

Capital City Price Comparison

The table below highlights the average prices and weekly changes for Unleaded 91 across Australia's capital cities.

Price Trends by Fuel Type (National Averages)

Taking a broader look, here is how the different fuel types are performing on a national level.

Looking Ahead

Over the next 3 to 4 weeks, we anticipate a shift in the current market dynamics. For unleaded petrol on the east coast (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane), we are currently sitting at the peak or upper-middle of the price cycle. Drivers in these cities should see prices slowly taper off and fall into a discounting phase throughout late July and early August. Perth motorists will continue to experience their standard weekly cycle, meaning Tuesdays will remain the optimal day for fuelling up.

For diesel, the aggressive price hikes seen this past week are expected to lose momentum. While prices will likely remain elevated around the 190 cpl mark nationally, the sharp week-on-week jumps should stabilise as international refined product pressures ease. Regional areas that have not yet seen the full diesel increase may experience a delayed bump in the coming days.

Check prices before you fill

Fuel prices can move quickly between nearby stations. Use ' . App(\App\Services\SiteConfigService::class)->getSiteName() . ' to compare reported prices, update times and station locations before you choose where to fill.

The map is useful when you want to see nearby stations quickly. The list is useful when you want to sort by price, distance or fuel type before leaving home, work or the shops.

Use the mobile app for saved stations, alerts and directions when you are out. Use the website at ' . Url('/map') . ' when planning on a larger screen.

Before buying a full tank, check whether the lower price covers the extra distance travelled. Compare the pump price, update time and route to ensure you are getting the best value.

Conclusion

As we move into the latter half of July, the key takeaway for motorists is vigilance. With diesel prices surging and petrol cycles varying dramatically by location, taking a moment to analyse your local market can result in significant savings at the bowser. We will continue to monitor these trends and provide you with the most up-to-date data next week.