Perth Fuel Prices to Reach Three-Year Peak, Drivers Urged to Act Fast
Perth drivers are being warned to fill up their tanks on Tuesday evening or seek out the cheapest stations, as fuel prices are set to surge to a three-year high starting Wednesday. The average cost for unleaded petrol will jump to $2.22.6 per litre, with some outlets charging nearly $2.50, marking a significant increase from current rates.
Sharp Overnight Increase and Historical Context
The overnight spike of almost 30 cents per litre will push Perth motorists back to price levels last seen on September 20, 2023, when unleaded petrol averaged $2.23.5 at the bowser. This dramatic rise is driven by wholesale price increases linked to higher international benchmarks, which are now impacting local pump prices.
Consumer Protection has issued a stark warning, noting that by choosing the cheapest fuel sites in Perth, motorists can save up to $38 on a 60-litre tank, given a price difference of 64 cents per litre between the most and least expensive stations.
Cheapest and Most Expensive Fuel Stations
On Wednesday, the cheapest unleaded petrol will be available at Burk Cannington, with Better Choice in Edgewater and Hills Emporio also offering fuel below $2 per litre. In contrast, BP will be the most expensive chain, hiking prices by an average of 45.9 cents to $2.37.8 per litre, up from Tuesday's $191.90.
Other major brands are also increasing costs:
- Ampol brands will charge an average of $234.3, up 45.6 cents from Tuesday's $188.7.
- EG Ampol's average metro price will be $230.6, a rise of 41.4 cents from the previous day.
As of Tuesday, some stations offered lower prices, such as Shell Bullsbrook east of the city at $1.74 per litre, and Costco locations at Casuarina and Perth Airport selling unleaded for $1.72.7 (membership required). Burk Cannington and Burk Oakford in the south had fuel for $1.79.3 per litre, while Liberty Landsdale in the northern suburbs was cheapest at $1.75.5 per litre.
Regional Price Comparisons and Diesel Surge
While Perth faces steep hikes, fuel will be cheaper in most regional centres, though prices are also rising there. Average unleaded costs include:
- Kalgoorlie/Boulder: $2.14 per litre
- Esperance: $2.13.60
- Karratha: $2.11.60
- Busselton: $2.11
- Bunbury: $210.90
- Albany: $2.10.60
- Geraldton: $210.20
Diesel prices will also surge by about 18 cents per litre, with the metro average rising from $2.23.3 to $2.41.3 overnight. Meanwhile, the metro average for LPG will remain stable at $1.39.60 cents per litre.
Government Reassurances Amid Global Tensions
The fuel price hikes come amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have restricted supply and placed upward pressure on local prices. Premier Roger Cook and Energy Minister Chris Bowen have attempted to alleviate public concerns, urging against panic buying and stockpiling.
"Our most recent advice continues to be that there are no direct impacts to fuel supply - fuel continues to arrive in Australia in the quantities and frequency we would expect," Premier Cook stated on Facebook.
Energy Minister Bowen added, "The key message is that while there are challenges ... the preparations the government have put in place for the minimum stock obligation are working. If it is necessary to access those minimum supplies we will ... our stocks are as high as they were before this crisis began."
Despite these assurances, some service stations have reportedly run out of fuel or imposed restrictions due to uncertainty over future deliveries.
Practical Advice for Consumers
FuelWatch recommends that consumers check their website to find the lowest prices nearby, as 21 individual sites are still offering unleaded petrol below 196 cents per litre. The organisation emphasises that while average prices are rising, savvy shopping can lead to significant savings.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and avoid last-minute fill-ups to mitigate the impact of these unprecedented price increases.
