New research shows Melbourne transport costs rising after petrol prices soar across state

ALARMING new figures have revealed that the cost of moving around Melbourne has risen by as much as $24 a week, thanks to surging fuel prices.

SURGING fuel prices have pumped up the cost of moving around Melbourne, with new research showing costs have risen by as much as $24 a week.

The latest Transport Affordability Index from the Australian Automobile Association shows average weekly costs in the state capital have risen from $359.92 in June last year to $384.28.

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Melbourne remains the second-most expensive city for transport with annual costs equivalent to $19,982.

The biggest increase came in fuel costs, with the average household now spending $74.36 a week on petrol.

RACV general manager of public policy Bryce Prosser said fuel prices had been increasing throughout the year.

Elissa Wuoti, 32, with Ava, 2 at Fawkner United. Picture: Jason Edwards

“The average fuel price for Melbourne during May reached a level which has not been seen since early 2014,” he said.

“Last month’s average was 26c per litre higher than the average for the same time last year.

“A petrol price cycle exists in metropolitan areas which involves price discounting and price increasing phases, the best way for motorists to save is to buy when prices are low.”

At the start of the week the average retail price for petrol in Melbourne was $1.56 a litre.

Households in Geelong also saw a steep rise in petrol prices, with fuel costs surging from $81.54 to $92.02 in a year.

Australian Automobile Association CEO Michael Bradley said governments needed to do more to help ease rising price pressure on families.

“Australian motorists in every capital city and across every regional centre are facing increasing cost pressures from transport,” he said.

Victorians are feeling the pinch of high fuel costs.

“The cumulative effect of repeated increases in transport costs is a heavy burden at a time when Australians are feeling cost of living pressures across the board.”

Elissa Wuoti, of Warrigal, spends more than $90 to fill up the family car.

“The biggest disparity we see is between the city and regional areas where the prices are quite an insult,” she said.

“We paid $1.53 per litre … we’ve had to account those costs into the household budget because we rely heavily on our car.

“The fuel industry needs to be better regulated because it’s just not reliable.”

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