Cheapest fuel stations revealed, Brisbane

A petrol “super cycle” is expected to hit Brisbane and the southeast over the coming weeks, with prices over $2.30 per litre likely to be the norm. See how you can save $26 on a full tank while there’s still time.

MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 26TH 2023: Petrol prices have increased over the holiday period. PICTURE: Nicki Connolly

Motorists are set to endure weeks of pain at the bowser as fuel prices skyrocket across South East Queensland.

Some service stations have ramped prices up as high as $2.31/litre for Unleaded 91, an increase of 50c from only a few days ago.

Motorists are being warned the petrol ‘super-cycle’ will hit all cities along the east coast and could last weeks.

The move is another blow for Queenslanders already struggling in a cost-of-living crisis, with some facing increases of up to $26 to fill a 50-litre tank, compared with last week.

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said $2.30/L could become the ‘new norm’.

“These high prices are the last thing motorists need as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, but the reality is that $2.30 per litre could become the norm for the next few weeks,” he said.

“This tells us that more fuel stations could soon hike their prices and it’ll become harder to fill up the tank for less than $2 a litre.”

Mr Ford said there was still an opportunity for motorists to grab a bargain before other petrol stations raised their prices. “We are in a sweet spot right now, where you can still sniff out some great bargains at the bowser,” he said.

“In Greater Brisbane right now, there’s a 52 cent difference between the cheapest location and most expensive.

“If filling up a 50-litre tank, that’s an instant saving of $26.

“Over the next few weeks, we do expect further stations to increase their prices and for that difference between the cheapest and most expensive to shrink significantly.”

Mr Ford said the national retail average for Unleaded 91 was up 3.55 per cent since the start of the year.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen the average wholesale price for fuel jump nearly 10 per cent from around $1.65 a litre at the start of January to around $1.81 a litre now,” he said.

“Our oil benchmarks have remained relatively steady in the last month, but down more than $10 a barrel from the highs of September and ­October last year, when we last saw prices in the $2.30s for Unleaded 91.”

Mr Ford said motorists should do their research before filling up and use apps to track down the biggest bargain.

“Using fuel comparison apps is one of the easiest ways to compare fuel prices in your area,” he said. “The next time you need to fill up, do your research ahead of time, as we have seen cases where stations on the same stretch of road list different prices for fuel.”

RACQ principal economic and affordability specialist Ian Jeffreys said motorists should fill up the tank now.

“There’s a massive 52 cent difference between the cheapest and most expensive service stations, so it is incredibly ­important to make sure you’re shopping around,” he said.

“Aim to pay 185 cents per litre or less for regular unleaded and use apps like RACQ’s Fair Fuel Finder to make sure you’re getting the best deal near you.”

According to Compare the Market:

Cheapest locations

Liberty Grange Auto Care – 179.5

Liberty Taigum – 179.5

Caltex Wilston – 179.7

Ampol Windsor – 179.7

Ampol Lutwyche – 179.9

Most expensive locations

BP Wellington Point – 231.9

7-Eleven Birkdale – 231.9

Ampol Acacia Ridge North – 231.9

Ampol Acacia Ridge – 231.9

7-Eleven Yeronga – 231.9