Analytics
Petrol Price Cycles in Australia
Retail petrol prices move in repeating patterns across major cities. Read the cycle, then compare stations before your next fill-up.
OPALAustralia90-day charts
Reading the chart
How to time the Australia cycle
The chart below shows the rolling 90-day average price. Look for the repeating sawtooth shape — sharp jump, slow decline — and read where today sits in that pattern.
The peak
The chart jumps up sharply. If your tank can wait, compare nearby prices before filling straight after a rise.
The bottom
Prices often settle lower before the next reset. This is when filling a larger tank can make sense.
Cycle length
Watch the spacing between peaks. Major city cycles can be uneven, so treat the next jump as guidance rather than a guarantee.
Common questions
Petrol price cycle FAQ
Retailers reset prices simultaneously to recover margin after a discounting period. The reset is usually triggered by the market leader (often the major brands' regional offices) and competitors follow within hours.