Fuel Price Cycles in Australia | State-by-State

Fuel prices in Australia follow cyclical patterns influenced by retailer pricing strategies, rather than wholesale costs. Understanding these cycles can help you identify the best times to refuel and save money.

By staying informed and planning your refueling around these cycles, you can optimise your fuel expenses!

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Fuel Price Cycles Across Australia

Adelaide

Exhibits a fortnightly cycle, with price patterns varying.

Brisbane

Generally sees the lowest prices on Tuesday and Wednesday, aligning with a weekly cycle.

Canberra, Darwin, and Hobart

Do not follow regular fuel price cycles; prices remain relatively stable throughout the week.

Melbourne

Experiences a 5–7 week cycle, with prices typically lowest during the middle of the cycle.

Perth

Operates on a consistent 7-day cycle, with prices typically lowest on Tuesdays.

Sydney

Follows a 20-day to 2-month cycle. Prices decrease gradually, hitting their lowest point towards the end of the cycle before rising again.

Did you know, that under a Novated Lease, you could pay for your fuel from your pre-tax salary – reducing your income tax and leaving more in your pocket?

Find out more about Novated Leasing and if you’re eligible!

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Tips to Save on Fuel

Recent Trends: In recent months, ULP prices have experienced fluctuations due to global oil price changes and local supply dynamics. Keeping an eye on these shifts can help you make smarter refuelling decisions.
Refuel Early in the Week: In cities with weekly cycles like Perth and Brisbane, filling up on Monday or Tuesday can secure lower prices.
Avoid Peak Days: Prices often peak on Fridays and before long weekends.
Monitor Price Trends: Utilise apps and websites to track fuel price cycles and plan your refueling accordingly.

Optimal Refuelling Times: In cities like Sydney, prices tend to hit their lowest mid-cycle—around 3 to 4 weeks into a 6- to 8-week cycle. Knowing these patterns helps you time your refuelling.
Use Price Lock Apps: Some retailers allow you to lock in current prices for up to a week, providing flexibility to refuel at your convenience.
Stay Informed: Global events, such as geopolitical tensions or changes in oil production, can impact prices. Staying aware of these developments can help you anticipate when costs may rise or fall.

Tools to Monitor Fuel Prices

FuelRadar: Offers insights into fuel price trends and cycles across various Australian cities, helping you identify the best times to buy petrol.
FuelPrice Australia: Monitors real-time fuel prices at over 10,000 stations nationwide, alerting you when prices approach the low points of local cycles.
Use Price Lock Apps: Some retailers allow you to lock in current prices for up to a week, providing flexibility to refuel at your convenience.
FuelWatch (WA): Provides daily price forecasts for Perth and Mandurah, allowing you to plan refueling in advance.

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Fuel too expensive?

Consider a Novated Lease on an EV!

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Have a Paywise Fuel Card?

Find out where you can use your Motorpass fuel card at
petrol stations across Australia.

Paywise Novated Lease Fuel Card

Accepted at over 6,000 petrol stations and 5,800 vehicle maintenance locations across Australia.

The Paywise Fuel Card is widely accepted at major petrol brands including Liberty, Caltex, Ampol, Puma, BP, Shell, 7-Eleven, Coles Express, KWIK Fuel, Felix Energy, EG Fuel Co, Better Choice, Woolworths, and Mobil.

But it’s not just for fuel – use your Paywise Fuel Card to conveniently pay for vehicle servicing, tyres, car washes, and even windscreen repairs, making it the all-in-one card for your driving needs.

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 9 July 2026
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beau was a huge help over the phone. He spoke kindly, listened carefully, and took the time to explain everything clearly, including re-explaining things when I didn’t understand.

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This was excellent customer service. I greatly appreciated Beau’s patience, care, and attention to detail. Thank you, Beau! 😁
  
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 8 July 2026
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience with Paywise from start to finish while arranging the novated lease for my Geely EX5.

Anthony, my leasing consultant, was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, responsive, and took the time to explain every step of the novated leasing process, making what could have been a complicated experience simple and stress-free.

A big thank you also to Josie, the delivery coordinator, who kept me updated throughout the process. She was professional, organised, and ensured everything ran smoothly right through to delivery.

The entire team provided top-notch customer service with clear communication, efficiency, and genuine care. I couldn't be happier with the experience and would highly recommend Paywise to anyone considering a novated lease. Thank you, Anthony and Josie, for making the leasing of my Geely EX5 such an enjoyable and seamless experience!
  
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 8 July 2026
 
 
 
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 8 July 2026
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My initial contact was with Chris Scafidi who was extraordinarily helpful and patient with my "can I get a quote on this one" and then "how about this one" before finally landing on a car. He answered all my questions and I appreciated his patience. I then got handed over to Geena Guo who dealt with the finalisation of contracts and car handover. She was also really helpful and patient and made sure the whole process ran smoothly. All in all an excellent experience and I understood where we were in the process the whole way and what I needed to do.
  
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 8 July 2026
 
 
 
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 7 July 2026
 
 
 
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 6 July 2026

Fuel Price Update

Fuel Price Cycles Across Australia

Adelaide

Brisbane

Canberra, Darwin, and Hobart

Melbourne

Perth

Sydney

Tips to Save on Fuel

Tools to Monitor Fuel Prices

Have a Paywise Fuel Card?

Paywise Novated Lease Fuel Card

Join over 50,000 Paywise members already taking advantage of great tax savings

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