This hub tracks average Australian pump prices for unleaded and diesel, the temporary fuel excise cut in force until 30 June 2026, and the supply-side factors behind weekly movements. Primary sources: the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) quarterly petrol monitoring reports, the WA FuelWatch scheme, the NSW FuelCheck app, and Australian Institute of Petroleum weekly price data.

Current fuel excise cut

From 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026, Australian drivers are paying 32 cents per litre less at the pump through a combined measure:

  • A federal government fuel excise cut (part of the excise rate temporarily lowered).
  • A GST windfall return agreed at National Cabinet by all state premiers and chief ministers, returning part of the GST raised on elevated fuel prices back to motorists at the pump.

The Treasury estimates the average Australian driver will save approximately $79 over the three months the cut is in force, based on typical weekly fuel consumption.

The measure expires on 30 June 2026. If not extended, pump prices rise automatically by 32 cents per litre from 1 July 2026 even if underlying wholesale costs are unchanged.

What moves Australian pump prices

  • Brent crude oil price. Australian pump prices typically track Brent on a two-to-three week lag. Brent has been above $100 per barrel since the 28 February 2026 Middle East conflict began.
  • Singapore Mogas 95 benchmark. The refined-product benchmark most Australian retailers use for wholesale pricing. Moves ahead of pump prices.
  • AUD/USD exchange rate. Oil is priced in US dollars. A weaker Australian dollar raises pump costs even if crude is flat.
  • Fuel excise. Currently reduced by 32c/L under the temporary measure; reverts to the full rate on 1 July 2026.
  • GST. 10% charged on the total price including excise.
  • Retail margin. Metro markets cycle weekly (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide) — independents and major chains alternate between the peak and trough of the cycle.
  • Regional supply. Remote and regional areas pay more due to freight, but also show less weekly volatility.

Where to check the current number

How to cut your fuel bill

  • Buy at the bottom of the cycle. In Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, retail prices cycle on roughly weekly patterns. FuelWatch and FuelCheck show the trough.
  • Use independent retailers. Costco, United Petroleum and local independents routinely undercut the major chains.
  • Woolworths and Coles fuel discount dockets can knock 4-10 cents per litre off if you spend at the supermarket.
  • Avoid highway service centres. Can be 20-30 cents per litre higher than metro prices.
  • Check tyre pressure monthly. Under-inflated tyres can cut fuel efficiency by 3%.
  • Diesel and premium unleaded don't track each other — the diesel-petrol spread has widened sharply since the Middle East conflict began.

Why the Middle East conflict matters for your pump price

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a fifth of global oil supply. When the waterway is disrupted, Brent crude spikes and Australian pump prices follow on a two-to-three week lag. Diesel in particular has seen the steepest rises because heavier-fraction refined products are more affected by supply constraints. Freight operators passing diesel cost through to shipping and trucking rates then feeds back into Australian retail prices for imported goods — a second-round inflation effect beyond the direct pump-price impact.