How to Save Money on Fuel in Australia: 10 Strategies That Actually Work

Petrol is one of the largest unavoidable household expenses for most Australians. With unleaded petrol prices regularly hitting $2.00–$2.30 per litre in 2025, a family with two cars filling up weekly can spend $5,000–$8,000 per year on fuel. Even modest savings add up fast.

1. Use a Fuel Price App

This is the single most impactful change most drivers can make. Fuel prices vary by up to 30–50 cents per litre across stations in the same suburb on the same day. Use these apps to find the cheapest station near you:

• GasBuddy — crowd-sourced prices, excellent real-time data
• MotorMouth — highly accurate, widely used in Australia
• FuelMap — good coverage particularly in regional areas
• 7-Eleven Fuel App — lets you lock in a price for 7 days from anywhere in Australia

The 7-Eleven app price lock feature is particularly powerful. When prices are low anywhere in Australia, you can lock that price in from your phone, then redeem it at any 7-Eleven within 7 days. Many savvy drivers lock in prices during off-cycle lows even if they don't need fuel immediately.

2. Understand the Fuel Price Cycle

In most Australian capital cities (especially Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth), petrol prices follow a predictable weekly or fortnightly cycle. Prices drop to their lowest, then gradually rise to a peak, then drop again. The pattern differs by city:

• Brisbane: Weekly cycle, usually cheapest Tuesday–Thursday
• Melbourne: 7–14 day cycle, watch for the Wednesday/Thursday low
• Adelaide: Weekly cycle, cheapest Tuesday
• Perth: Weekly cycle, cheapest Tuesday/Wednesday
• Sydney: Less predictable but still cycles — apps are essential

3. Use Supermarket Fuel Discounts

Both Woolworths (Caltex/Ampol) and Coles (Shell Coles Express) offer 4 cents per litre fuel discounts when you spend $30+ in-store. These vouchers add up:

• 4 cents/litre on a 60L fill = $2.40 per fill
• Fill up weekly = $124.80 per year
• Two cars = $250/year

Some Everyday Rewards members also receive bonus fuel discounts of 10–20 cents/litre through targeted offers in the app — check your offers weekly.

4. Earn Cashback on Fuel Purchases

Some cashback platforms offer cashback on fuel purchases through linked card programs. TopCashback Australia occasionally lists fuel retailer promotions — worth checking before filling up at BP, Ampol or Shell.

5. Maintain Your Vehicle

A poorly maintained car uses more fuel. Key maintenance items that affect fuel efficiency:

• Tyre pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by 3–5%. Check monthly — correct pressure is listed on the door jamb sticker.
• Air filter: A clogged air filter reduces fuel efficiency by up to 10%. Replace per your manufacturer's schedule (usually every 15,000–30,000km).
• Spark plugs: Worn plugs cause incomplete combustion. Replace at scheduled intervals.
• Engine oil: Using the correct viscosity and changing on schedule keeps your engine running efficiently.

6. Adjust Your Driving Style

Driving behaviour has a significant impact on fuel consumption:

• Smooth acceleration: Hard acceleration uses dramatically more fuel. Accelerate gradually.
• Use cruise control on highways: Maintaining a constant speed is far more efficient than varying speed.
• Reduce highway speed: Fuel consumption increases sharply above 100km/h. At 110km/h you're using roughly 15–20% more fuel than at 90km/h.
• Coast to stops: Lift off early when you see a red light or slowing traffic ahead. Modern fuel-injected engines use zero fuel when coasting in gear.
• Reduce air conditioning use: A/C can increase fuel consumption by 10–20%. Use the fan setting or open windows at lower speeds.

7. Consider E10 Petrol

E10 (10% ethanol blend) is typically 2–5 cents per litre cheaper than regular unleaded. Most modern Australian cars (check your fuel cap or owner's manual) are E10 compatible. The slight reduction in fuel economy from E10 is usually offset by the cheaper price, though results vary by vehicle.

8. Share Car Trips

If you commute regularly with a colleague, a formal carpool arrangement halves fuel costs for each participant. Even alternating one week in two each saves 25%. Commuting apps like Carpool World or simply messaging neighbours can facilitate this.

9. Consider Your Next Car Purchase Carefully

If you're in the market for a car, fuel economy now matters more than ever. The difference between a 6L/100km and 9L/100km car, driving 15,000km per year at $2.00/litre, is $900 per year in fuel costs alone. Hybrid vehicles (Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Mazda CX-60 PHEV, Kia Niro Hybrid) offer compelling real-world fuel economy of 4–6L/100km.

What You Can Realistically Save

• Using fuel apps to find cheapest price: $150–$400/year
• Supermarket fuel vouchers: $120–$250/year
• Tyre pressure and basic maintenance: $100–$200/year
• Adjusted driving style: $100–$300/year

Total potential saving: $470–$1,150 per year per car.