It's been a costly few months at the bowser, and it seems there’s no relief in sight. With the fuel excise back in full force following temporary cuts in the first half of the year and the war in the Middle East dragging on, the cost of fuel remains high.
The national average for unleaded petrol has passed 237 cents per litre, according to the Australian Government's Fuel Plan. Petrol in our biggest cities now costs around 66 cents more per litre than it did before the conflict began in February, while diesel has risen by about $1.10.
Global oil prices have dipped slightly in recent days, but those changes won't flow through to the pump straight away. So how can you cut costs in the meantime? 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. You might find that a fuel station in the next suburb over can save you much more than your local one around the corner. Here are the fuel comparisons apps available in your state:
- Nationwide: Petrol Spy, Fuel Map Australia
- NSW & ACT: FuelCheck
- WA: FuelWatch
- VIC: Servo Saver
- 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 EG 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 motoring clubs have long-standing fuel partnerships. Some of these offers can be ‘stacked’ with supermarket fuel discounts for even bigger savings.
- NRMA (nation-wide): Members can get 5c off premium fuel and 4c off base grade fuels at Ampol. These can be stacked with Woolworths’ 4c discount.
- RACV (Victoria): Members save 5c per litre at participating EG Ampol service stations with a $5 in-store purchase. This can be stacked with Woolworths’ 4c discount.
- RACQ (Queensland): Members save 4c per litre at participating Caltex stations.
- RAA (South Australia): Members 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 select Bennett’s Petroleum and Bonney Energy locations.
- RACWA: Members can save 4c per litre once per day at participating Caltex and better choice service stations.
- AANT (Northern Territory): Members can save 8c per litre at participating United service stations using the AANT app.
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.
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.
