Brisbane's Fuel Woes: A City's Struggle with Sky-High Prices
A Burning Issue: Brisbane's Fuel Prices Skyrocket
For three years running, Brisbane has held the unfortunate title of having the highest fuel prices among all Australian capital cities. This issue has become a major concern for drivers in the region, with no signs of relief in sight.
The latest annual report from RACQ, the state's leading motoring body, reveals a stark reality. Brisbane's average unleaded fuel price in 2025 was a staggering 185.2 cents per litre (cpl), significantly higher than Adelaide, the cheapest city over the last three years, where drivers enjoyed an average of 173.8 cpl.
But Here's Where It Gets Controversial...
Dr. Ian Jeffreys, RACQ's principal economic and affordability specialist, sheds light on the situation. He describes Brisbane's fuel market as a "legacy market," with price cycles that are longer, jumps that are higher, and cheap phases that are disappointingly brief.
In contrast, cities with more affordable fuel prices tend to have shorter and flatter price cycles. One key reason for Brisbane's high prices is the lack of independent service stations, with only about 20% of the market consisting of small chains or independents, compared to other capitals that have a higher proportion of these sites.
The Search for Savings: Where to Fill Up?
The report also analyzed fuel prices across Brisbane, identifying the cheapest and most expensive areas. Kuraby, on Brisbane's southside, emerged as the city's fuel haven in 2025, with an average of 162.8 cpl. In contrast, Clayfield, a mere 25-minute drive away, recorded Brisbane's highest average at 200 cpl.
Dr. Jeffreys emphasizes the potential for significant savings by shopping around, with price differences between suburbs reaching nearly 40 cpl.
A Double Whammy: Diesel Prices Also Soar
Brisbane's woes extend beyond unleaded fuel. The Queensland capital also boasts the second-highest diesel price in the country, averaging 189.6 cpl in 2025, an improvement from the previous year's average of 193.6 cpl.
Why the Disparity?
Dr. Jeffreys attributes Brisbane's expensive fuel prices to several factors. The city's price cycles are longer, with higher jumps and shorter cheap phases. Additionally, the lack of independent service stations, which tend to offer lower prices, contributes to the issue.
A Call for Action: Regulating the Market
Following the release of the report, RACQ has advocated for market regulation to curb unfair and unjustified price hikes. Dr. Jeffreys believes that some form of government intervention is necessary to address the situation, stating, "Queensland's capital has consistently been one of the most expensive and unpredictable cities for fuel in the country, and it's clear the current market isn't working in the best interests of motorists."
And This Is the Part Most People Miss...
The development of new independent fuel sites in Brisbane is underway, but the process is slow and expensive. Dr. Jeffreys highlights that while these sites offer lower prices, they are not being developed fast enough to make a significant impact on the overall average.
So, what's the solution? Should the government step in to regulate fuel prices, or is there another way to tackle this issue? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
