Petrol prices across Australia have surged in March 2026 due to global oil volatility triggered by Middle East tensions, pushing regular unleaded averages well above $2.40 per litre in most capital cities as of late March.

Prices for diesel and petrol are expected to rise in Germany due to the carbon tax
AFP / JOHN MACDOUGALL

The national average for regular unleaded petrol stood around 253 cents per litre for the week ending March 29, with metropolitan areas slightly lower and regional locations often higher. Drivers face significant weekly variation depending on location, day of the week and individual service stations.

Here are the latest approximate average prices for regular unleaded petrol (in AUD cents per litre) across Australia's major capital cities as of March 30, 2026:

  • Sydney: Around 244–251 cents per litre, with some stations reaching 256 cents during peaks.
  • Melbourne: Approximately 253 cents per litre, occasionally climbing toward 259 cents.
  • Brisbane: Near 251–253 cents per litre, with reports of prices approaching 260 cents earlier in the month.
  • Adelaide: About 255 cents per litre, with peaks near 260 cents in some areas.
  • Perth: Averaging 253–255 cents per litre, subject to the city's distinct weekly price cycle.
  • Canberra: Roughly 252 cents per litre, often among the more stable capital city readings.
  • Hobart: Around 256–257 cents per litre, reflecting Tasmania's higher transport costs.
  • Darwin: The highest among capitals at approximately 258–263 cents per litre.

The sharp rises stem largely from international crude benchmarks. Brent crude climbed above $116 per barrel earlier in March before partial easing, directly feeding into Singapore refined product prices and Australian terminal gate costs with a short lag. Australia imports nearly all its refined fuel, leaving the country exposed to global supply shocks.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's announcement to halve the fuel excise tax from April 1 — dropping it from 52.6 cents to 26.3 cents per litre for three months — is expected to provide around 26 cents per litre relief at the pump once implemented. The government has urged retailers to pass on the full saving, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission monitoring compliance.

Despite the upcoming relief, current high prices are adding pressure to household budgets already strained by inflation. A typical motorist driving 15,000 km per year could see hundreds of extra dollars in annual costs without intervention. Businesses reliant on transport, including freight and agriculture, face rising operational expenses that may eventually flow through to consumer goods.

Regional drivers often pay more than those in capital cities due to higher delivery costs. In remote parts of Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, individual outlets have occasionally exceeded $2.70 per litre.

Diesel prices have also climbed sharply, frequently averaging above 245 cents per litre nationally and hitting harder for truck operators and farmers.

The Reserve Bank of Australia continues to monitor fuel costs for their inflationary effects, though the temporary excise cut should moderate some near-term pressure on headline inflation.

Consumer organisations recommend practical steps: fill up mid-week when many cities hit their price cycle lows, use E10 fuel where suitable, combine trips, and consider public transport or carpooling for regular commutes.

The Australian Institute of Petroleum releases weekly reports that help track trends, while state-based fuel check websites provide additional transparency. Analysts expect prices to remain elevated into April unless there is significant global de-escalation or a sharp drop in crude markets.

Longer-term discussions focus on reducing Australia's reliance on imported fuel through diversified supply chains, potential domestic refining investments and faster adoption of electric vehicles and alternative fuels.

For now, the pain at the pump is real for drivers from Sydney to Darwin. Checking prices daily and taking advantage of the excise cut from Wednesday can help manage costs during this volatile period.