Transurban offering fuel discounts to frequent Linkt toll users amid cost of living pressures

As Aussies continue to feel the pinch with grocery, power and other household bills soaring, there is some relief with big discounts on fuel prices up for grabs. Find out how.

Australians are being forced to make drastic cuts to their expenses as they struggle to manage the surge in living costs.

Households are shopping around for insurance policies and switching internet and energy providers amid concerns about rising grocery, petrol, and electricity costs.

A survey of more than 3000 people by Transurban found 62 per cent said groceries continue to be their biggest worry, followed by petrol at 51 per cent and electricity bills at 45 per cent.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently revealed monthly household spending in hotels, cafes and restaurants has declined 13 per cent since the end of 2023, slightly outpacing the broader fall in spending.

Groceries were at the top of the concern for Australian households. Picture: NewsWire

However, there is some relief for drivers facing skyrocketing prices at the pump.

Transurban, the country’s largest toll provider, is offering drivers with an active Linkt account a 12c per litre discount as part of its loyalty rewards program, which ends this weekend.

“The cost of fuel represents a considerable portion of household budgets, which is why we’ve offered millions of dollars’ worth of free fuel,” Transurban’s customer experience manager Chris Jackson said.

“We’re also updating our trip comparison tool, to make choosing trips that save both time and fuel quick and easy to identify.”

The research revealed a 10 per cent spike in concerns about insurance premiums over the past two years.

Leading finance expert Julian Finch said while it’s challenging to avoid price hikes on essentials, there are ways to reduce expenses. Picture: NewsWire

Almost one in two Australians are now willing to switch insurance for better value, the research revealed.

Brisbane’s 3rd Space drop-in centre has seen increased demand for its services, including a low-cost cafe, showers, and laundry, with over 22,600 people experiencing homelessness accessing them in the past year.

In 2021-22, an average of 1271 meals was served each month. However, as the cost of living crisis intensified in 2022-23, this number nearly tripled to 3024 meals per month.

“Increasingly, those in need this year include families unable to put food on the table,” CEO Lesley Leece said.

“As well as those you might not expect, like nurses and construction workers, who just can’t make it from paycheck to paycheck. For example, they might not be able to afford petrol to get to work.”

Transurban is offering drivers with an active Linkt account a 12c per litre discount as part of its loyalty rewards program. Picture: NewsWire

Leading finance expert Julian Finch said while it’s challenging to avoid price hikes on essentials, there are ways to reduce expenses.

“The silver lining is that if we can adapt now, we can be match fit for when things get a little easier and really use these lessons of restraint and budgeting,” Mr Finch said.

“One of the best ways to save is to cut out waste. All the spending in your monthly bank account needs to be identified and a decision made as to whether it is essential.

“This is a great time to really do a serious audit of all the spending in our lives and through necessity make some ruthless decisions.”

Mr Finch said shoppers should buy groceries on Wednesdays when supermarkets start their new week of specials.

“Items can be up to half price. Buy essential items when they are on sale so that when they are full price you can walk past them,” he said.

How to claim fuel offer:

1. Check the ‘Rewards’ tab of the Linkt app to see if you’re eligible

2. Simply scan the 12 cents per litre fuel discount barcode from the app at any Shell Coles Express or Reddy Express store. Eligible customers have until 11.59pm, August 4.Find out more here.

Originally published as Transurban offering fuel discounts to frequent Linkt toll users amid cost of living pressures