Gladstone records highest petrol prices ever

Here’s why the Central Queensland city is feeling the brunt of increasing fuel costs.

International supply and demand caused by the world opening up from Covid is responsible for Gladstone’s staggering petrol prices, according to the RACQ.

Gladstone’s average unleaded price hit an eye-watering 163.2 cents per litre on October 25, surpassing the previous record set in October 2018.

“As countries open up from COVID-19 restrictions, international supply and demand issues have driven up oil prices leading to high terminal gate prices which then impacts what we pay at the bowser,” Ms Leonard-Jones said.

“However, regional Queensland hasn’t been impacted as severely as the southeast, where the fuel price cycle contributed to Brisbane’s recent all-time record high of 178.7cpl for unleaded.”

Motorists paid 160.7 cents per litre at Choice in Gladstone on October 26

Caltex on Kirkwood Road charged a whopping 165.9 cents per litre on October 26

She said prices should begin to stabilise over the next couple of weeks but it was unlikely there would be a significant fall before Christmas.

“We’ve seen oil prices going up and that flows down to what we see at the bowser,” Ms Leonard-Jones said.

But while Gladstone has high prices, Townsville is suffering from a similar situation and southeast Queensland has recorded prices of more than 180 cents per litre.

She urged people to search online to find the best fuel prices during this time.

Shell on Dawson Highway hit 159.9 cents per litre on October 26.

Puma on Dawson Highway hit 158.7 cents per litre on October 26.