Compare the Market welcomes David Koch as our Economic Director
“I’ve joined Compare the Market’s mission to empower Australians to compare, switch and save wherever savings are available.”
“My wife and I use Compare the Market for all our household expenses, and we’re in good company – over the years, they’ve helped millions of Australians find a better deal.”
David Koch
Economic Director
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Top 3 things to know about comparing fuel prices
1
Compare on the go
If you’re always on the move, you can compare fuel prices on your smartphone all around Australia.
When it comes to saving on fuel and comparing prices, Compare the Market has these tips for motorists:
Timing is everything
With petrol costs often following a fuel price cycle of up to three weeks, the key to getting in at the right time is identifying the trend in your area. Picking the days when prices are lower in the cycle is the easiest strategy to cut down your fuel costs long term. By regularly keeping watch using our fuel price app, you can easily see when the prices are at their lowest.
Better quality fuel for less
Another advantage of comparing fuel prices is that if you find a better deal on petrol, you could put this into a higher-performing fuel and come out equal. So essentially, you’re getting improved performance for the same price. Play it smart and compare your fuel with us and see if you can save.
Prepare for an emergency
You might want to consider storing fuel in case of an emergency. This can be a smart idea, especially if you live in a remote area outside the capital cities. However, keep in mind that there are specific ways to store fuel safely.
It’s simple! With our Simples app (available on iPhone and Android), you can compare petrol prices at fuel stations near you by entering your postcode or location and the type of fuel you’re looking for. We’ll then display some fuel prices near you, and you can compare which option is best for you. You’ll also see the address of each service station, which makes it easy to track down a deal.
By checking and using the app often, you could really start to save on your fuel bill over time.
We update this information regularly for the following areas in Australia:
Sydney, New South Wales
Melbourne, Victoria*
Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Hobart, Tasmania
Adelaide, South Australia
Canberra, ACT
Darwin, Northern Territory
Perth, Western Australia.
See the Terms and Conditions. *In Victoria, there is no requirement for fuel stations to report their pricing data. This impacts the accuracy of the information we can provide you through our app. Pricing information in Victoria is a guide only, so you may notice discrepancies occasionally.
Compare fuel by type
Some vehicles require a specific type of fuel. If you’re hunting for a new car, it’s vital to know the difference between fuels when making your purchase, as it could ultimately impact the price you pay in the long run. When information is available, we provide prices for the following fuel types:
The price you pay for fuel is governed more or less by the type of engine your car has, and which compatible fuel you choose to run it. By quickly checking our price tool, you will have a better chance of locating some of the cheapest fuel in your area for your particular car.
Types of fuel
Unleaded petrol (ULP)
If your car takes unleaded petrol, you have plenty of options when it comes to providers, as all stations carry unleaded petrol. Newer petrol engines can be more efficient than previous generation petrol engines, in theory driving your dollars further.
Diesel
Although you typically pay more for this type of fuel over ULP, diesel is regarded as being much more efficient. Not only that, but diesel engines inherently have more torque and therefore are ideal for carrying heavy loads or towing things such as caravans.
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
LPG is much cheaper than unleaded or diesel; however, the trade-off is that you achieve less performance, and it can often take up valuable luggage space in standard vehicles.
Premium unleaded 95 and 98 fuels
Also known as ‘higher octane’ unleaded, premium unleaded 95 and 98 fuels contain a research octane number (RON) level of 95 or 98. This is the fuel’s resistance to ignite under high pressure. Just about all new cars can take these variations of unleaded fuel.
Ethanol (E10)
Fundamentally this fuel is unleaded petrol except it contains up to 10% of ethanol – a biofuel derived from renewable products. It’s one of the more affordable petrol options available and is compatible with all new and some older cars.
Ethanol 85% (E85)
E85 is a high-concentration biofuel blend that contains between 70% and 85% ethanol and 15% to 30% unleaded petrol. E85 (also known as flex fuel) produces less harmful emissions than unleaded petrol, but can only be used in cars specifically built or modified to use it.
Biodiesel (BDSL)
Biodiesel is made from natural, renewable sources (plants) that burns cleaner, contains no petroleum and is biodegradable.
Premium diesel
Premium diesel has no real power advantages over standard diesel; however, it’s purported to clean your engine more effectively, in turn extending its life and providing better economy and bang for your buck.
Other ways to save on the road
Compare car insurance
Car insurance is a valuable product that can protect your car in the event of an accident, weather event or theft. It can also help cover costs if you cause damage to another vehicle.