As the festive season approaches, Australians are bracing for a jolt at the petrol pump, with prices expected to surge in capital cities across the nation. The warning bells are ringing loud and clear: fuel prices are on the rise, and the time to act is now.
In Melbourne, the petrol prices have already soared to a staggering 192.0 cents per litre, and the trend is upward. Brisbane isn’t far behind, with the average price hovering around 203.8 cents per litre. In Adelaide, fuel prices have surged to 168.9 cents per litre, while in Perth, they’re at 196 cents per litre. Hobart is seeing prices of 184.8 cents per litre, and Darwin’s fuel prices have risen to 175.5 cents per litre.
Canberra’s prices have held steady for the moment at 196.4 cents per litre, but Sydney-siders have seen a glimmer of hope with a recent drop from 200.6 cents per litre to 189.1 cents per litre. However, this decrease has been slow, trickling down at a rate that could hardly be called a relief.
The disparity in prices is stark, with some Sydney service stations selling regular unleaded fuel for just under 183 cents per litre, while others have crossed the $2 threshold. It’s a situation that has NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury calling for oil companies to take immediate action to address the rising costs that are hitting consumers hard.
‘It’s pleasing the cycle is falling in Sydney, what’s less pleasing is that those falls are happening at a snail’s pace at two thirds of a cent per day, the oil companies must fix this now,’ Mr Khoury stated, expressing the frustration felt by many.
For those planning to hit the road and visit loved ones or enjoy a holiday getaway, Mr Khoury suggests that there may be a silver lining. Prices could be more favourable in regional areas, with variations of up to 40 cents a litre. It’s a reminder that a little bit of planning can go a long way in keeping costs down.
One of the best tools at your disposal is petrol monitoring apps, such as the My NRMA rewards app, which provides real-time data on petrol prices. With the wholesale price around 66 cents, there’s a significant margin at play, and savvy consumers can use this information to their advantage.
So, before you set off on your festive journeys, do your research. Check the apps, compare prices, and fill up where it makes the most financial sense. It might mean going a bit out of your way, but the savings could be substantial, leaving you with more to spend on the things that truly matter this Christmas.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you noticed petrol prices rising in your area? What steps are you taking to manage the cost? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below—let’s help each other make the holiday season a little more affordable.
Also read: How petrol price cycles have changed
