Aussies spend thousands on petrol every year

Aussie drivers are spending thousands on petrol every year, but some age groups are spending more than others.

Aussie drivers are dropping thousands each year on petrol.

New research from Compare the Market has revealed the average driver spends just less than $62 each week on fuel, adding up to more than $3200 annually.

Millennials spend the most at the bowser, with their weekly fill-up putting them back about $78, while boomers are spending the least each week at about $38.

Gen Z were the second-highest spenders of the bunch, forking out about $72 per week on petrol – closely followed by Gen X, who spent approximately $71.

The average driver spends just less than $62 each week on fuel. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said sometimes it is the small habits that can make a difference.

“Households across Australia are continuing to feel the pinch,” Mr Ford said.

“Inflation is cooling, but that doesn’t mean things are cheaper – they just aren’t increasing as fast as they were a year ago.

“Fuel is one of our core grudge payments each week.

“It’s something that most of us need to get to and from work, get the kids to school or go grocery shopping for the week, so we often just need to bear and grin it no matter what the price is.

Aussie drivers are dropping thousands each year on petrol. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

He said the use of a petrol price comparison app could alert drivers to cheaper options nearby, rather than sticking with the same servo every time and simply absorbing the cost.

“I know one case personally where a colleague saved $291 in a year on fuel just by checking prices nearby rather than just rolling up to the closest servo,” Mr Ford said.

“That’s a big weekly grocery shop or perhaps a couple of good family outings.”

While people are slowly beginning to drive more after the Covid pandemic, the research revealed more than three in five Aussies were changing their driving habits due to the rising cost of petrol.

“We’ve seen people cut back on their daily driving habits, but one possible reason we could be seeing this creep in the number of annual kilometres driven is that more people are going on road trips instead of heading overseas for their holiday,” Mr Ford said.

Drivers should compare prices at the bowser. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“A lot of people are counting every cent that comes in and out of their account, so a quick road trip up or down the coast stopping at camping grounds might be the perfect solution to a much-needed break that won’t break the bank.

“However, no matter if you’re dropping off the kids or taking some time off while experiencing one of Australia’s many wonders, it always pays to compare how much you’re paying at the bowser.”

He said his top tips for keeping the weekly cost of petrol low were to compare prices at petrol stations, use public transport if possible and keep your car maintained.

Originally published as Aussies spend thousands on petrol every year