Fuel Costs in Australia: What Drivers Should Budget

Fuel costs depend on three simple inputs: how far you drive, how efficient your vehicle is, and the price per litre. Even small improvements in fuel efficiency can make a noticeable difference over a year.

How to estimate annual fuel cost

Multiply annual kilometres by litres per 100 km, divide by 100, then multiply by the fuel price per litre.

What affects fuel spend

• Vehicle size and efficiency
• City traffic versus highway driving
• Petrol versus diesel pricing
• Commute length and weekly driving patterns

Practical budgeting tip

Convert your annual total into weekly or monthly numbers. That is much easier to budget for than thinking only in per-litre prices.

Use the Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate yearly cost, monthly budget and one-off trip fuel spend.