Australian Petrol Prices by State — 2025
| Location | Unleaded 91 | Premium 95/98 | Diesel |
|---|
| Melbourne (VIC) | 180–220 c/L | 195–235 c/L | 185–225 c/L |
| Sydney (NSW) | 175–215 c/L | 190–230 c/L | 180–220 c/L |
| Brisbane (QLD) | 170–210 c/L | 185–225 c/L | 175–215 c/L |
| Perth (WA) | 165–200 c/L | 180–215 c/L | 170–210 c/L |
| Adelaide (SA) | 178–215 c/L | 190–228 c/L | 182–218 c/L |
| Darwin (NT) | 190–235 c/L | 205–250 c/L | 195–240 c/L |
| Regional Australia (above metro) | +15–45 c/L | +15–45 c/L | +20–55 c/L |
Fuel Consumption Guide — Common Australian Vehicles
| Vehicle | Typical L/100km | Notes |
|---|
| Small hatchback (Yaris, Swift) | 5.5–7.5 | City / combined |
| Medium SUV (RAV4, CX-5) | 8.0–11.0 | Combined cycle |
| Toyota HiLux / Ford Ranger (diesel) | 9.0–13.0 | Working / loaded |
| Large van (Transit, Sprinter) | 11.0–16.0 | Loaded, urban |
| Hybrid (Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid) | 4.5–6.5 | Combined cycle |
ATO Vehicle Deductions — Australian Tax 2025
For Australian sole traders and employees using their vehicle for work, the ATO allows two methods: the cents per kilometre method (88 cents/km for 2024–25, up to 5,000 business km — no receipts needed, just a journey log) and the logbook method (requires a 12-week logbook, claims the business proportion of all actual vehicle costs including fuel, servicing, registration, insurance and depreciation). The logbook method is often more beneficial for high-mileage workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cheapest petrol in Australia?
Perth generally has among the lowest petrol prices due to competitive local refining and distribution. Darwin and remote NT locations are typically most expensive due to transport costs. All major capitals experience weekly price cycles — fuel is cheapest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Apps like GasBuddy, MotorMouth, NRMA/RACQ/RAA/RAC apps track real-time local prices.
What is the ATO cents per km rate for 2025?
The ATO cents per kilometre rate for 2024–25 is 88 cents per kilometre for the first 5,000 business kilometres. This all-inclusive rate covers fuel, servicing, tyres, insurance, registration and depreciation. Keep a journey log noting the date, destination, purpose and kilometres for each business trip.
Diesel vs petrol — which is better for a trade vehicle?
For high-mileage trade vehicles (30,000+ km/year), diesel is almost always better financially. Diesel engines typically achieve 10–20% better fuel economy than equivalent petrol, provide better towing torque, and modern diesel utes have much lower maintenance costs than older models. The higher purchase price is usually recovered within 2–3 years of regular use.
How do I track fuel for ATO purposes?
Keep a logbook for at least 12 continuous weeks once every 5 years (or when your vehicle use pattern changes significantly). Record: date, odometer reading, destination, journey purpose, kilometres. The business percentage calculated over 12 weeks applies to all vehicle expenses for up to 5 years. Fuel receipts must be kept for the logbook method.