Fuel price divide closes between South East Queensland and regional areas

For years, Brisbane motorists have bemoaned the belief that petrol prices in the city are far higher than those in the regions. But is it all a myth?

Record monthly high ULP prices across Queensland since 2017.

It’s the Great Queensland Fuel Price Divide – the belief that Brisbane motorists have for years paid more at that bowser than their regional counterparts.

But is fact or is it fiction?

Well, according to expert analysis, it could be a little of both.

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said while there was once a significant discrepancy between fuel prices in Brisbane and the regions, that was no longer the case.

Mr Ford said in recent years, the gap had started to close, especially during the bottom end of the price cycle, which Brisbane was currently experiencing.

The interactive below, showing monthly spikes in unleaded petrol prices since 2017, supports his analysis.

He said the current prices people were paying in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast were a “far cry” from a few weeks ago when the discrepancy was up to 50 cents.

“It will continue to shrink over the coming weeks,” Mr Ford said.

Mr Ford admitted there were some regional areas where fuel was consistently cheaper, which he attributed to fewer people and less demand, resulting in fewer outlets and less competition.

“In the more regional areas, you have less choice,” he said.

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford says the price discrepancy between fuel in metro and more remote areas are not as significant as they once were.

Mr Ford said at the moment, while there will still places on Brisbane’s outskirts charging $2 a litre, some in the inner-city had dropped below $1.90

“If you plan out and you know the prices are higher than $1.90 per litre then maybe you can find a route that allows you to fill up for less,” he said.

Queensland’s cheapest unleaded petrol as of Friday morning was $1.59 at Metro Petroleum, Maryborough.