An end to the long and winding road to cheaper fuel could finally be in sight, with a likely peace deal in the Middle East helping to stabilise oil prices.
But just as relief feels near, the government is set to put the brakes on its temporary fuel excise relief on 1 July – which could see a bump in prices.
New research from Compare the Market reveals motorists are prepared for progress to stall, with nearly six in 10 (58%) planning to drive less to beat higher costs.*
Compare the Market spokesperson Sarah Orr warned relief from any peace deal might not be instantaneous.
“While a ceasefire may calm markets, it doesn’t mean our fuel prices will return to normal quickly,” Ms Orr said.
“Motorists got a bit of breather with the fuel excise cut, which saved them 26.3 cents a litre on each fill. There was also a 5.7 cents per litre discount through an additional deal between States and Territories and the Federal Government. But every handout comes at a cost, and that temporary relief estimated to have cost taxpayers more than $2.5 billion over the past three months.
“The discount couldn’t last forever, but when it ends, it could mean higher prices at the petrol pump. If you’re filling up a 50-litre tank, that’s an extra $16.
“When 1 July does roll around, the ACCC will be watching for opportunistic or suspicious moves – they will want to clamp down on any price gouging behaviour.”
Nearly a third (31%) of drivers said they would use fuel comparison apps to look for savings, while others looked to make bigger adjustments:
- 3% would make better use of public transport
- 24% said they would avoid leisure road trips
- 1% would switch to a cheaper fuel type, such as E10
- 8% would work from home more often.
“We’re seeing Aussies rethink their routines, from driving less to being more selective about where they fill up,” Ms Orr said.
“Drivers need to take the wheel and hunt around for a bargain where they can. Fuel comparison apps are free and easy to use before you hit the road. In many cases, big savings could be just around the corner.
“With cost-of-living pressures still biting, motorists can’t afford to be complacent.”
Three fast ways to save at the bowser
- Shop around before you fill up
Don’t just pull into the closest servo. Free fuel comparison apps, like Compare the Market’s Simples Fuel App, make it easy to check prices in your area before you leave home. A quick search could save you several cents per litre. - Tune into the fuel price cycles
Fuel prices in the capital cities usually move in regular cycles. Depending on where you live, cycles could start and end every week or even last up to six weeks. The ACCC publishes daily averages for each of the capitals, so you can see when prices are trending down and up. - Make the most of discounts
There may be savings hiding in plain sight. From supermarket fuel vouchers to discounts through roadside assistance programs or energy providers, it’s worth checking what perks you can stack to bring down the cost of your tank.
*Compare the Market commissioned PureProfile to survey 1,019 18+ aged Australian adults, conducted June 2026.
For more information, please contact:
Phillip Portman | 0437 384 471 | [email protected]
Compare the Market is a comparison service that takes the hard work out of shopping around. We make it Simples for Australians to quickly and easily compare and buy insurance, energy, and home loans products from a range of providers. Our easy-to-use comparison tool helps you look for a range of products that may suit your needs and benefit your back pocket.
