The Cost Of Fuel In Australia

how much is a litre of fuel in australia

As of July 2025, the price of gasoline in Australia is AUD 1.61 per litre or USD 1.05 per litre. Official statistics show that Australia has among the lowest petrol and diesel prices of all OECD countries. The price of gasoline in Australia remained unchanged at USD 1.35 per litre in September 2023, with the maximum price per litre reaching USD 1.67 and the minimum USD 0.46.

Characteristics Values
Current gasoline price per litre in AUD 1.61
Current gasoline price per litre in USD 1.05
Average price of gasoline in the world per litre in USD 1.20
Average gasoline price from 2015-08-17 to 2025-07-28 per litre in AUD 1.48
Minimum gasoline price on 2020-05-04 per litre in AUD 0.98
Maximum gasoline price on 2022-03-21 per litre in AUD 2.13
Gasoline price in September 2023 per litre in USD 1.35
Maximum gasoline price in September 2023 per litre in USD 1.67
Minimum gasoline price in September 2023 per litre in USD 0.46
Organisation providing data Institute of Petroleum, GlobalPetrolPrices.com

shunfuel

Fuel prices vary across cities

As of July 28, 2025, the price of gasoline in Australia was AUD 1.61 per liter, with a maximum price of AUD 2.13 recorded on March 21, 2022. This data, sourced from government and industry sources, indicates that fuel prices in Australia are among the lowest in OECD countries.

However, fuel prices can vary significantly across different cities in Australia. For example, the average retail fuel prices in Sydney and Melbourne, the country's largest cities, tend to be higher than in smaller cities or regional areas. This variation is influenced by factors such as local competition, fuel supply, and transportation costs.

Additionally, fuel prices in Australia follow a cyclical pattern, with prices typically lower at the start of the week and gradually increasing towards the weekend. Motorists can take advantage of websites and apps that provide real-time fuel price data, helping them identify the lowest prices in their local area. These tools empower consumers to make informed decisions and potentially save money by filling up at the optimal time.

Understanding the dynamics of fuel pricing in Australia is essential for motorists, enabling them to plan their fuel purchases and manage their expenses effectively. By staying informed about fuel price variations across cities and leveraging available resources, consumers can make strategic choices that align with their budgets and travel needs.

shunfuel

How fuel prices are determined

As of 28 July 2025, the price of gasoline in Australia was AUD 1.61 per litre or USD 1.05 per litre. The average price of gasoline worldwide is USD 1.20 per litre.

Fuel prices in Australia are determined by a variety of factors, including global and local influences. The three key factors that make up the petrol price cycle are international trends, Australian taxes, and other mitigating costs.

International trends refer to the global factors that influence international crude oil and refined fuel prices. For example, Australia imports 60% of its fuel, with 27% of its crude oil sourced from Malaysia. The international cost of refined petrol accounts for 41% of the price at the pump. The price of refined petrol in Singapore, known as 'Singaporean Mogas 95', is a benchmark for Australian fuel prices.

Australian taxes also play a significant role in fuel pricing. The Australian government levies a fuel excise on petrol and diesel, which, combined with GST, can represent up to a quarter of the retail price for fuel. These taxes are reinvested in transport infrastructure projects.

Other mitigating costs that affect fuel prices include retailer operating expenses such as transportation, freight, site maintenance, insurance, power, storage, wages, and profits. The level of competition between retailers is another critical factor, with petrol prices moving up and down in regular patterns known as petrol price cycles. These cycles are driven by pricing decisions made by various petrol retailers and can vary between different cities and regional areas.

shunfuel

Comparison to global fuel prices

As of 28 July 2025, the price of gasoline in Australia is AUD 1.61 per litre or USD 1.05 per litre. This is higher than the global average of USD 1.20 per litre.

A comparison of fuel prices across different countries provides valuable context for understanding the relative affordability and financial burden of gasoline in Australia. Here is a detailed comparison of global fuel prices to shed light on this:

  • Hong Kong: Hong Kong has one of the highest fuel prices globally, often ranking among the top three most expensive jurisdictions. As of January 2023, the price of gasoline in Hong Kong was approximately USD 2.27 per litre, significantly higher than the global average.
  • United States: Gasoline prices in the United States vary considerably due to regional differences in taxation and environmental regulations. As of August 2025, the average price of gasoline in the US was USD 0.76 per litre, well below the global average.
  • European Countries: European nations often experience higher fuel prices due to higher taxes and environmental concerns. For instance, as of July 2025, gasoline prices in the Netherlands were USD 2.49 per litre, while in Germany, prices hovered around USD 2.15 per litre.
  • Middle Eastern Countries: Countries in the Middle East, known for their substantial oil reserves, often enjoy lower fuel prices due to subsidised gasoline. In August 2021, gasoline prices in Kuwait were as low as USD 0.33 per litre, and in Saudi Arabia, prices were around USD 0.17 per litre during the same period.
  • India: India's fuel prices are generally lower than the global average. As of July 2025, the price of gasoline in India was approximately USD 1.12 per litre, slightly below the worldwide mean.

These comparisons highlight the variability in fuel prices across different regions, influenced by factors such as taxation, subsidies, environmental policies, and the availability of natural resources. Australia's fuel prices, while higher than the global average, fall within a range comparable to other developed nations, particularly those with significant energy demands and limited domestic oil production.

shunfuel

Historical fuel prices

Unfortunately, I could not find enough information to write 4-6 detailed paragraphs on historical fuel prices in Australia. However, here is some information I was able to find:

The price of petrol at Australian refineries is based on international petrol prices. The International Energy Agency (IEA), established in 1974, is an energy forum for 26 industrialised countries, including Australia. Official statistics from the Bureau of Resource & Energy Economics (Australian Petroleum Statistics) and the IEA show that Australia has among the lowest petrol and diesel prices of all OECD countries.

Retail petrol price data, published by AIP in charts and tables, is dependent on data availability from Motormouth. This data is available for individual locations, but data availability can change week to week. The Weekly Diesel Prices Report aims to assist market analysts, commentators, and the broader community in understanding the key market factors influencing diesel prices in Australia.

shunfuel

Predictions for the future

As of 28 July 2025, the price of gasoline in Australia is AUD 1.61 per litre or USD 1.05 per litre. The average price of gasoline worldwide is USD 1.20 per litre.

The future of fuel prices in Australia is difficult to predict with certainty, but several factors are likely to influence the market. Geopolitical events and economic uncertainties continue to impact fuel prices. For instance, sanctions on major oil exporters such as Russia and Venezuela have limited global supply, pushing energy prices higher.

Crude oil prices are expected to decrease, with Brent Crude forecasted to average $74 per barrel in 2025 and $66 in 2026, indicating that supply will outpace demand. This could contribute to a downward trend in fuel prices.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that US retail gasoline prices will continue to decrease, averaging $3.20 per gallon in 2025 and $3.10 in 2026. Improving fuel efficiency is a key factor in keeping demand in check, and slower employment growth could also reduce gasoline consumption.

Wallet Investor, an algorithm-based price forecasting service, predicts that RBOB gasoline will trade between $2.14 and $2.57 per gallon in 2025, ending the year at $2.16. For 2026, they forecast a range of $2.16 to $2.72 per gallon, ending the year at approximately $2.31.

While it is challenging to make long-term predictions, these forecasts suggest that fuel prices in Australia may remain volatile but could trend downwards in the coming years, influenced by global crude oil prices, economic conditions, and improvements in fuel efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

The current gasoline price in Australia is AUD 1.61 per litre or USD 1.05 per litre as of 28 July 2025.

Official statistics show that Australia has among the lowest petrol and diesel prices of all OECD countries. The average price of gasoline in the world is USD 1.20 per litre. The average price of gasoline in Australia between 17 August 2015 and 28 July 2025 was AUD 1.48 per litre.

In September 2023, the price of gasoline in Australia was USD 1.35 per litre.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment