Fuel price pain: How to beat the hike at the pump

It’s been a volatile week for petrol prices following the recent conflict in the Middle East. While oil prices jumped there were also reports of Aussies rushing to service stations to fill up their cars and jerry cans over concerns of a fuel shortage. An overreaction? Maybe.

This increased demand led to some service stations upping their prices with some exceeding the $2 per litre mark. So how can you cut costs at the bowser? While global factors are out of your control, a few digital tools and driving tweaks can help you avoid some of the sting.

Make fuel apps your new co-pilot

Checking a fuel comparison app before you leave the house can save you significantly. Fuel prices can vary drastically depending on your suburb. In Sydney, suburbs like Mascot and Clovelly, 9km apart, have as much as a 33 cents per litre difference. Here are the fuel comparisons apps available in your state:

• Nationwide: Petrol Spy, Fuel Map Australia
• NSW & ACT: FuelCheck
• WA: FuelWatch
• VIC: Servo Saver (Launched Oct 2025)
• TAS: FuelCheck Tas
• NT: MyFuel NT
• QLD & SA: Use third-party apps like RACQ or RAA

Budget tip: Comparing fuel prices could save you over $1,000 a year if you find a cheaper local pump. A 33 cent difference between fuel stations saves as much as $19.80 per tank and $1,030 per year for the average car. Make sure to compare the cost of fuel in your area and fill up when prices are low, not just when your tank is.

Stack your discounts (carefully)

Combining your supermarket fuel discounts with other fuel offers is a great way to shave cents off the cost per litre. Make sure you’re scanning your membership cards, activating offers and taking note of the cheapest fuel in your area to find the biggest savings.

Supermarket discounts

• Woolworths: 4c per litre off at eligible Ampol locations via the Everyday Rewards app.
• Coles: 4c per litre off at Coles Express or Shell Reddy Express. Just make sure you activate the voucher in the Flybuys app after spending $30 in-store or online.

Motoring Club discounts

Most state-based motoring clubs have long-standing fuel partnerships. Some of these offers can be ‘stacked’ with supermarket fuel discounts for even bigger savings.

• NRMA (all states except Victoria): Members can get 5c off at Ampol, which can be stacked with Woolworths’ 4c discount for a total of 9c off.
• RACV (Victoria): Members save 5c per litre at participating EG Ampol service stations, which can be stacked with Woolworths’ 4c discount.
• RACQ (Queensland): Members save 4c per litre at participating Caltex stations.
• RAA (South Australia): Members currently receive a generous 10c per litre discount at participating Caltex locations in SA. Discounts are also available at a range of service stations in regional SA areas.
• RACT (Tasmania): Offers a 6c per litre or 9c discount through partners Bennett’s Petroleum and Bonney Energy.
• AANT (Northern Territory): Members can save 8c per litre at participating United service stations.

General Insurers

Some national insurers have launched their own apps specifically to compete with the motoring clubs’ fuel perks:

• Budget Direct: Offers a 4c per litre discount at Shell / Reddy Express and participating Shell branded sites via its Budget Direct Fuel Discounts app. This is available to car, motorcycle, and roadside assistance customers.
• Everyday Insurance (Woolworths): Offers indirect savings by providing a 10% discount on one grocery shop per month (up to $50 savings) and frequent bonus points offers (e.g., 2,000 points for $10 off fuel). This is available to all policyholders who link their Everyday Rewards account.
• CommBank Insurance: Offers a one-time $75 Fuel Smart eGift Card for new customers who purchase a Comprehensive or Comprehensive Saver car insurance policy online (offer valid until 30 April, 2026). The policy must be held for at least three months to receive the card.

Here’s the catch: Don’t chase a discount if it costs you more in the long run. Some fuel offers require you to spend a certain amount at the checkout to activate the offer. Spending $20 just to save 10c per litre only works if you actually need what you’re buying.

Drive smarter to use less fuel

Getting cheap fuel is one thing, but using less of it is even better for your budget. While these changes won’t make a huge difference to your budget, even the smallest driving habits can add up. Every dollar counts!

• Smooth starts: Avoid flooring it at red lights, easy acceleration uses less fuel.
• Aircon vs. windows: Use aircon sparingly and open your windows on cooler days. Don’t keep your windows down at high speeds (100km/h) though as it adds drag.
• Ditch the weight: Remove roof racks or heavy gear from the boot when you’re not using them.
• Check your tyres: Under-inflated tyres make your engine work harder.
• Carpool when you can: If your kid’s teammates live along the way to soccer training, carpooling can save time and money. Plus it’s good for the environment so everybody wins!
• Switch up your commute: Choose to walk, ride or use public transport to get to work instead of driving.