Petrol price hike: Where to find a bargain at the bowser this long weekend

Petrol prices are on the rise heading into the long weekend according to new data, as the cheapest locations around the country to fill up are revealed.

According to data from Compare the Market, drivers in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth are being advised to fill up on petrol as early as possible in the lead-up to the long weekend as prices are expected to rise in the coming days. Meanwhile, those in Adelaide should have seen prices drop throughout the week while Canberra’s have been holding fairly steady.

Despite petrol prices seeing a heavy drop at the peak of the pandemic, Abigail Koch from Compare the Market said, as shutdowns and restrictions continue to ease in most states, previously low prices are heading back to pre-pandemic levels.

“Motorists paid an average of 122 cents per litre (cpl) over the last quarter, which is 9cpl more than the quarter to June and is nearly double the average price motorists paid in the middle of April when we hit record-low prices of around 75cpl,” she said. “Last quarter, motorists in Brisbane paid the most for fuel across the country, at 126cpl on average, while Perth motorists paid the least, averaging 119cpl.”

Motorists in states with eased restrictions who are planning to do some travel have been advised to shop around rather than just settle for their first pick when it comes to looking for the best bargain in their area. And according to the latest data, these are the areas with the lowest priced petrol.

Sydney

Over the quarter Sydney residents have paid 6cpl more for fuel with the average price coming in at 122cpl. Meanwhile, the inner south-west region recorded the lowest quarterly fuel prices at 116cpl while the North Sydney and Hornsby subregions had the highest prices at 130cpl.

Earlier this week, prices dropped just below a dollar in Mount Pritchard in south-west Sydney. However, the fuel prices were their lowest last Friday when the previous cycle ended. Motorists are advised to fill up now as it’s predicted prices won’t hit their low points again for well over a month.

Brisbane

Unleaded is nearing the bottom of its cycle in Brisbane meaning motorists should fill up as soon as possible as prices are set to rise each day from here on out. Brisbane drivers paid the most for their fuel last quarter averaging 126cpl which was 12cpl more than the last quarter.

Ipswich had the lowest fuel prices at 124cpl and Brisbane East had the highest at 131cpl. Those living in Plainland will be pleased to know that they have the lowest average petrol prices in the city at just 101cpl while Point Lookout at North Stradbroke is offering up the most at 131cpl.

Adelaide

Those in the south have been enjoying some of the cheapest fuel over the last quarter despite the average 120cpl being 12cpl more than last quarter. Interestingly, there was only a 4cpl difference in prices between the cheapest subregion over the quarter (Adelaide West with 118cpl) and the most expensive (Central and Hills subregion, at 122cpl).

In the past week, the cheapest fuel in the whole country could be found in the north-east suburb of Hillcrest with an inviting 95cpl at the bowser. Prices are expected to fall throughout the week so unlike other cities, Adelaide motorists are advised to wait as long as possible to fill up.

Perth

While there’s no long weekend in Perth, prices are expected to rise from next Wednesday meaning motorists should fill up on Tuesday to get their hands on a low price tank. Across the quarter, Perth recorded the lowest fuel prices in the country at 119cpl.

The North-West and South-East subregions averaged the lowest prices at 118cpl over the quarter while Inner Perth was 3cpl more. As of last Monday, the cheapest fuel could be found at the Perth Airport at just 98cpl.

Canberra

Canberra’s fuel prices were the only ones that remained the same over the quarter with the 122cpl price holding steady. Fyswick in the South Canberra District had the lowest prices on average as of Monday morning with 115cpl while Hawker recorded the highest on average with 130cpl.

Motorists in the ACT are advised to just continue filling up whenever need be as prices have been falling since July and now are predicted to continue holding steady with minor movements into the near future.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your financial or legal situation, objectives or needs. That means it’s not financial product or legal advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a financial or legal decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get independent, licensed financial services or legal advice.