Weekly Fuel Report - Tuesday 31 March 2026

Weekly Fuel Price Report: 23 March – 29 March 2026

The final full week of March has seen a significant and sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices across the nation. Motorists have had to contend with rising costs as the majority of Australian capital cities move into the upward phase of their respective price cycles. This report provides a detailed analyse of the market movements and aims to help you organise your fueling stops to minimise costs.

Current fuel prices and prediction

National Upward Trend: Every major city monitored in this report recorded a "Rising" trend across all fuel types, with the national average for Unleaded 91 now sitting at 251.95 cpl.
Diesel Surge: Diesel prices have experienced a substantial jump, with increases of up to 9.95% in some regions. The national average for Diesel has climbed to 307.33 cpl, placing significant pressure on transport costs.
Capital City Variance: Melbourne remains the most affordable capital for U91 at an average of 247.98 cpl, while Darwin recorded the highest average at 257.11 cpl.
Premium Petrol: Premium 98 has reached a national average of 277.1 cpl, with Darwin motorists paying the highest prices, averaging over 285 cpl.

Capital City Price Comparison

The following table provides a comparison of Unleaded 91 (U91) prices across Australian capital cities for the period of 23 March to 29 March 2026. All cities are currently experiencing a rising trend.

City	Fuel Type	Average Price	Min Price	Max Price	Price Change	Percent Change	Trend
Melbourne	Unleaded 91	247.98 cpl	242.27 cpl	254.71 cpl	+12.44 cpl	5.13%	Rising
Brisbane	Unleaded 91	250.69 cpl	242.08 cpl	256.67 cpl	+14.59 cpl	6.03%	Rising
Sydney	Unleaded 91	250.95 cpl	244.3 cpl	256.43 cpl	+12.13 cpl	4.97%	Rising
Canberra	Unleaded 91	251.54 cpl	244.58 cpl	257.44 cpl	+12.86 cpl	5.26%	Rising
Perth	Unleaded 91	252.37 cpl	245.03 cpl	258.39 cpl	+10.39 cpl	4.22%	Rising
Adelaide	Unleaded 91	254.77 cpl	248.69 cpl	259.57 cpl	+10.88 cpl	4.37%	Rising
Hobart	Unleaded 91	255.83 cpl	249.2 cpl	259.52 cpl	+8.61 cpl	3.46%	Rising
Darwin	Unleaded 91	257.11 cpl	249.36 cpl	263.08 cpl	+13.72 cpl	5.50%	Rising

Price Trends by Fuel Type

While petrol prices have risen steadily, diesel and premium fuels have seen even sharper increases. The national averages across various fuel types reflect a market under significant upward pressure.

Fuel Type	National Average	Cheapest City (Avg)	Most Expensive City (Avg)	General Trend
Unleaded 91	251.95 cpl	Melbourne (247.98)	Darwin (257.11)	Rising
E10	248.63 cpl	Geelong (244.91)	Townsville (250.32)	Rising
Diesel (DSL)	307.33 cpl	Melbourne (301.95)	Wollongong (310.87)	Rising
Premium 95	267.49 cpl	Geelong (261.65)	Darwin (273.35)	Rising
Premium 98	277.1 cpl	Geelong (271.4)	Darwin (285.32)	Rising

Looking Ahead

As we move into April, we expect fuel prices to remain elevated across most metropolitan areas. In Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, the current rising phase of the price cycle suggests that prices may not peak for another 7 to 10 days. Motorists in these cities should recognise that finding the remaining lower-priced stock at smaller retailers will become increasingly difficult.

For Adelaide and Perth, the shorter cycles mean we could see a peak followed by a slow decline toward the middle of April. However, Diesel prices remain a concern, with little evidence of a downward trend in the immediate 3 to 4-week forecast. We advise consumers to optimise their travel and fill up when they spot prices below the current city average.

Save Money with FuelRadar

With fuel prices constantly fluctuating, finding the best deal in your area can save you significant money over time. The FuelRadar app is your essential tool for locating the cheapest fuel prices in your neighbourhood, updated in real-time.

FuelRadar's user-friendly interface allows you to quickly compare prices across different service stations, helping you make informed decisions before filling up. The app's map feature shows you exactly where to find the best deals, saving you both time and money. Whether you are fueling a small car or a large transport vehicle, the ability to see live price data ensures you never pay more than necessary.

Available on both iOS and Android devices, FuelRadar puts the power to save in your hands. You can also access the service via our website at fuelradar.com.au/map for desktop planning. By checking the app before you leave home, you can avoid the frustration of driving past a station only to find prices have jumped 20 cents per litre.

Download the FuelRadar app today and join thousands of motorists who are saving on every fill-up! Don't let rising prices catch you off guard; stay informed and keep your travel costs under control with the most reliable price data available.

Conclusion

The current week has been challenging for Australian drivers, with significant price hikes across all fuel types and regions. By staying informed and using tools like FuelRadar to find the best local prices, you can mitigate the impact of these rising costs. We will continue to monitor the market and provide updates as the situation evolves.