⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
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Total Fuel Cost
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Cost per km
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Return trip cost
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Annual commute cost
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Average Australian Fuel Prices 2025–26
Fuel prices vary significantly across Australia. Capital cities have weekly price cycles — typically peaking mid-week and bottoming out on weekends. Regional areas often pay 10–20¢/L more due to transport costs. As a guide for 2025: Sydney ~195¢/L, Melbourne ~190¢/L, Brisbane ~185¢/L, Perth ~175¢/L, Adelaide ~190¢/L. Check GasBuddy or FuelWatch (WA) for current local prices before a long trip.
Typical Fuel Efficiency by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Typical L/100km | Annual fuel cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Small hatchback (e.g. Corolla) | 6–8 L | ~$1,800–$2,400 |
| Medium sedan (e.g. Camry) | 7–10 L | ~$2,100–$3,000 |
| SUV (e.g. RAV4) | 8–12 L | ~$2,400–$3,600 |
| Large 4WD (e.g. LandCruiser) | 12–18 L | ~$3,600–$5,400 |
| Diesel ute (e.g. HiLux) | 9–13 L | ~$2,700–$3,900 |
| Hybrid (e.g. Prius) | 4–6 L | ~$1,200–$1,800 |
*Based on 15,000km/year at 190¢/L average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate fuel cost for a road trip?▾
Divide the distance by 100, multiply by your car's fuel consumption (L/100km) to get total litres, then multiply by the fuel price per litre. For example: 600km ÷ 100 × 9L/100km = 54L × $1.95/L = $105.30. Our calculator does this automatically and also shows return trip cost and commute projections.
Can I claim fuel costs as a tax deduction?▾
Yes, if you use your car for work purposes (not commuting to your regular workplace). You can use the cents per kilometre method (88¢/km for 2025–26, up to 5,000km) or the logbook method (actual costs based on your work-use percentage). The cents per km method requires no receipts but you need to justify how you calculated your business kilometres.
What is the ATO cents per km rate for 2025–26?▾
The ATO rate for 2025–26 is 88 cents per kilometre, capped at 5,000 business kilometres per year. This gives a maximum deduction of $4,400. No receipts are needed for this method, but you must be able to show how you calculated your work kilometres — a diary or app log works well.
How can I improve my fuel efficiency?▾
Maintain correct tyre pressure (under-inflated tyres increase fuel use by up to 3%), drive at steady speeds and use cruise control on highways, reduce air conditioning use where possible, remove roof racks and roof boxes when not in use (they add significant drag), keep up with servicing, and avoid harsh acceleration and braking. Driving at 110km/h instead of 90km/h typically increases fuel consumption by 20–25%.
Is it cheaper to drive or fly between cities in Australia?▾
For distances under 400–500km, driving is usually cheaper when considering fuel only. For longer distances, flying is often cheaper and much faster. However, driving wins when travelling with multiple passengers (split costs), when you need a car at your destination, or when you have lots of luggage. For Melbourne–Sydney (880km), fuel alone costs ~$100–$150 each way, plus food, accommodation if overnight, and time cost. A budget flight can often undercut this total.
Fuel prices and vehicle efficiency figures are indicative only. Actual costs vary based on driving conditions, speed, vehicle maintenance and local prices. Check GasBuddy or your state fuel price site for current prices.
Related Tools
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- Income Tax Calculator — Calculate your work-related deductions
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