May 2026 has delivered a complex landscape for Australian motorists. Between the United Arab Emirates' historic exit from OPEC on May 1 and the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, global oil markets have been pushed into volatile territory. With Brent crude hovering around the $100-a-barrel mark, those shockwaves are being felt directly at local servos across the country.
Whether you use your ute for weekend adventures, commute down the freeway daily, or just need to run the kids to the local sports centre, understanding this month's fuel trends is critical to protecting your household budget. Let's analyse the data and look at what you can expect to pay at the bowser.
National Fuel Price Breakdown: What Are You Paying?
The national averages paint a clear picture of the current market. Nationally, Unleaded 91 (U91) is averaging 168.3 cpl. However, U91 prices currently range from 159.9 cpl to 177.9 cpl nationally, a difference of 11.3% depending on where you fill up. Meanwhile, standard E10 sits at an average of 168.7 cpl, Premium 95 (P95) at 185.4 cpl, and Premium 98 (P98) at 191 cpl.
For heavy-duty and commercial vehicles, Diesel (DSL) is averaging 207.5 cpl, while Premium Diesel (PDSL) is slightly higher at 210.8 cpl.
City-by-City: Who is Paying the Most?
Location plays a massive role in your petrol bill this May. Adelaide currently offers the cheapest prices for 5 different fuel types, making it Australia's most affordable capital city for motorists. In fact, the top 3 cheapest capital cities for Unleaded 91 are currently Adelaide (175.11 cpl), Toowoomba (180.06 cpl), and Cairns (180.24 cpl).
Conversely, the Top End is feeling the pinch. Unleaded 91 prices are 8.4% higher in Darwin (189.79 cpl) than in Adelaide (175.11 cpl). Furthermore, Premium 98 prices vary significantly across Australia, with Darwin (221.14 cpl)
