Since the conflict escalated in late February 2026, fuel prices across Australia have surged dramatically. This dashboard tracks the impact using data from the Australian Institute of Petroleum, ACCC, and international commodity markets.
Current prices compared to pre-crisis levels (late February 2026)
Watch how prices surged after the crisis began in late February
| Location | Petrol | Wk Chg | Diesel | Wk Chg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SydneyNSW | 242.0 | 5.3 | 291.3 | 8.5 |
| MelbourneVIC | 242.2 | 5.5 | 290.3 | 9.4 |
| BrisbaneQLD | 242.7 | 5.4 | 291.0 | 8.5 |
| AdelaideSA | 242.2 | 5.0 | 290.0 | 7.8 |
| DarwinNT | 246.9 | 5.0 | 294.8 | 7.3 |
| PerthWA | 243.0 | 5.0 | 290.0 | 7.3 |
| HobartTAS | 240.7 | 4.8 | 289.8 | 6.7 |
Why is this a problem? Australia has only 2 operating refineries (down from 8 in 2005) and imports over 80% of its fuel. When global supply routes are disrupted, we have very little buffer.
In late February 2026, US and Israeli military strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks on major oil infrastructure across the Middle East. Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which roughly 20% of the world's seaborne oil passes daily.
This created what analysts have called the "largest supply disruption in the history of oil markets". Brent crude oil prices spiked from around US$75 to almost US$120 per barrel before settling near US$107.
Australia is particularly vulnerable because we import over 80% of our fuel and have only 2 operating refineries (down from 8 in 2005). Our fuel reserves sit well below the IEA's recommended 90 days of net imports.
The Australian Government has released 800 million litres from domestic reserves and granted the ACCC emergency powers to coordinate supply. However, experts warn that if the disruption continues beyond mid-April, more severe measures may be needed.
With prices at record highs, these apps, programs, and discounts can help reduce the pain at the pump. Many can be stacked together for maximum savings.
Pro tip: Stack your discounts
Many of these discounts can be combined. For example, use your Woolworths Everyday Rewards docket (4¢/L) at Ampol, pay with the Ampol app (extra savings via FuelPay), and scan your NRMA card (5¢/L) — that's potentially 13¢/L off in one transaction. On a 50L fill at today's prices, that saves you $6.50 per fill.
Lock in the best local 7-Eleven price for 7 days. Fill up anytime within the lock period at any 7-Eleven/Mobil station Australia-wide.
Community-reported real-time fuel prices across QLD, SA, NSW, WA, TAS and NT. Map-based search with notifications for the best time to buy.
Official NSW Government app. All fuel retailers in NSW are legally required to report prices within 30 minutes of a change.
WA Government service showing tomorrow's fuel prices today. Retailers must notify FuelWatch of price changes by 2pm the day before.
Fuel price comparison app with price alerts and historical data. Covers all states and territories.
Free fuel price comparison tool covering all of Australia. Built by Australian developers pulling data from government and community sources.
Spend $30 at Woolworths and scan your Everyday Rewards card to get 4¢/L off your next fill at Ampol. Discounts stack with the Ampol app.
Spend $30 at Coles to get a 4¢/L digital fuel docket via Flybuys. Redeem at Shell Reddy Express or Coles Express within 4 weeks.
Spend $20 on eligible items in-store at Shell Reddy Express at the same time as fuelling to get 10¢/L off. The biggest supermarket-linked discount available.
Spend $5 on eligible items in-store at Ampol Foodary when you fill up to get 4¢/L off. Collect Everyday Rewards points on every dollar spent.
Sign up and get 6¢/L off your first 3 tanks (up to 150L each). Ongoing rewards and in-app payment via FuelPay. Stacks with Everyday Rewards.
Earn 2 points per litre of Premium 98, 1 point per litre of regular fuel. Get $10 off fuel for every 500 points. 250 bonus points on signup.
Costco fuel is typically 15–20¢/L cheaper than competitors. Requires $65/year membership. Only available at Costco locations (limited sites).
Scan your Flybuys card at the bowser to earn 8 points per litre and automatically get 4¢/L off the displayed price. Points redeemable for future discounts.
NRMA members save up to 5¢/L at participating Ampol Foodary locations across Australia. Stack with Everyday Rewards for extra savings.
RACV members get 5¢/L off at participating Ampol service stations across Victoria.
The best auto club fuel deal in Australia — RAA members save 10¢/L at participating Caltex stations in South Australia.
RACQ members save 4¢/L at participating Caltex stations across Queensland.
Budget Direct customers get 4¢/L off at participating Shell Reddy Express stations. Discount applied via the Budget Direct app.
Participating United Petroleum outlets offer 4¢/L off for senior citizens in NSW, VIC, SA, TAS and WA. Show your seniors card at the counter.
A federal government agency war-gaming an Australian fuel crisis scenario warned last year of a severe economic impact should the situation eventuate. Energy Minister flags work from home as a 'sensible' option for millions.
Six oil ships bound for Australia have been cancelled in recent days. Energy Minister Chris Bowen concedes flow of oil to Asian refineries has slowed. Diesel approaching $3/L in some regions. ACCC warns fuel companies not to use conflict as cover for price gouging.
The government is responding to fuel shortages due to the war in the Middle East and says Australia has enough supply until mid-April. Additional releases from reserves remain on the table.
Australia grants urgent ACCC approval for fuel companies to coordinate supply distribution. IEA releases record 400 million barrels from emergency stockpiles globally. Government eases fuel standards for 60 days, redirecting export-grade fuel to domestic market.
Global Petrol Prices data puts Australia 61st out of the top 100 countries for gasoline price per litre, with the average price per litre at $2.07 in March 2026.
Prolonged fuel shortages caused by war in the Middle East could lead to a lockdown-type scenario for Australians, one of the nation's leading economists warns. Suppliers begin implementing emergency fuel levies.
The consumer watchdog has observed retail prices surpassing wholesale by up to 18 cents per litre in some locations. ACCC writes directly to fuel companies warning against using the conflict as cover for excessive margins.
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway carrying roughly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil and LNG supply. Panic buying spreads across Australia, particularly affecting Western Australia.
The federal government releases up to 20% of the baseline minimum stockholding obligation for petrol and diesel. 800 million litres of petrol and diesel released from domestic reserves. Australia holds 36 days petrol, 29 days jet fuel, 32 days diesel.
Oil markets face the largest supply disruption in history as the war in Iran continues to block tankers from shipping millions of barrels of crude each day through the Strait of Hormuz.
New data confirms a significant rise in prices at petrol pumps, with the national average rising 17 cents to 198 cents a litre over the week to March 8. Petrol prices have jumped 50 cents per litre since the start of the conflict.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers writes to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission asking it to monitor fuel prices amid the unrest in the Middle East. Weekly monitoring updates begin.
US and Israeli attacks on Iran trigger retaliatory strikes on major oil facilities in the Middle East. Iran effectively closes the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices spike sharply, reaching almost US$120 per barrel before easing.