Independent petrol chains offer lower prices, ACCC research finds

Throughout 2020, drivers in Australia’s five largest capitals (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide) could have saved a combined $485 million by switching from the higher-priced petrol stations to lower-priced major retailers.
This comes off the back of new research by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which revealed independent petrol chains generally offered lower prices on fuel.
The report showed the average price-difference between these retailers in 2020 was 11.4 cents per-litre, up from 8.4 cents the previous year.
On average, the ACCC said this amounted to a $445 annual difference in petrol bills for Sydneysiders. In the other capitals, drivers could have saved $330 in Adelaide, $317 in Melbourne, $216 in Perth, $200 in Canberra, $174 in Brisbane, $78 in Hobart and $55 in Darwin over the year by filling up at the cheaper bowsers.
Overall, the chains offering the cheapest petrol around all the capitals were Speedway, Metro Petroleum, United, Vibe and FuelXpress.
Meanwhile in most capital cities, BP, Caltex and Coles Express were the most expensive, although this did depend on if the chains were owned and operated under the brand licence.
ACCC Chair Rod Sims noted the significance of these price differences, and reminded Australians about petrol regulation.
“Consumers should bear in mind that regular unleaded petrol sold in Australia typically comes from the same refineries or import terminals, and there are minimum quality standards that all retailers are required to adhere to,” Sims said.
“This means that motorists are getting petrol of a similar quality regardless of where they fill up.”
If you’d like to hear more on this petrol price conversation, tune in to the latest episode of The Finance Burrito podcast.
Other transport costs on the rise
Petrol isn’t the only transport bill hitting consumers' wallets hard right now. A report from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has shown annual household transport costs have risen $1,870 between 2020 and 2021.
This comes down to a few things beyond petrol prices, but the main culprit is increased demand for used vehicles during COVID driving up car prices as public transport became less popular as people have been social distancing.
Mozo research also found the average cost of comprehensive car insurance rose by 2% over the year. While numerous factors influence car insurance costs – from the kind of car you drive to your age, gender and where you live – there are ways to reduce your premium.
Making sure you’re getting any car insurance discounts you might be eligible for is a great place to start, but your best bet is to compare policies and haggle or switch to one that suits you and your budget best.
Start with some of the comprehensive policies below or head to our car insurance comparison page for more options.
Compare comprehensive car insurance - last updated 8 February 2025
-
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Yes costs extra
Agreed or Market
$400 - $2,500
Optional Extra
Making sure your car insurance is about where you’re at right now could save you lots. Start a quote with Youi today and see what you could save.
CompareCompareComprehensive Car Insurance
Making sure your car insurance is about where you’re at right now could save you lots. Start a quote with Youi today and see what you could save.
- Monthly premiums available
- Yes costs extra
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed or Market
- Choice of excess
- $400 - $2,500
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Discounts available
- -
- Quote time
- -
Read reviews and learn more about Youi car insurance
-
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Yes costs extra
Agreed or Market
$500 - $2,300
Optional Extra
CompareCompareComprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums available
- Yes costs extra
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed or Market
- Choice of excess
- $500 - $2,300
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Discounts available
- Online discount $75 off new policies
- Quote time
- 6 to 8 minutes
Read reviews and learn more about QBE car insurance
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Exceptional Value Car Insurance - 2024
- Exceptional Value Young Driver Insurance - 2024
- Exceptional Value Senior Driver Insurance - 2024
Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance
Yes costs extra
Agreed or Market
$550 - $1,900 (varies by state)
Optional Extra
Get award winning Car Insurance. Save 15% ^ on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new policy online. Budget Direct offers tailor-made cover, new-for-old replacement, 24/7 claims, a highly-rated claims service, and get a hire car following a theft.
CompareCompareGold Comprehensive Car Insurance
Get award winning Car Insurance. Save 15% ^ on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new policy online. Budget Direct offers tailor-made cover, new-for-old replacement, 24/7 claims, a highly-rated claims service, and get a hire car following a theft.
- Monthly premiums available
- Yes costs extra
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed or Market
- Choice of excess
- $550 - $1,900 (varies by state)
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Discounts available
- No claim discount|Online discount 15% on first years premium
- Quote time
- 2 to 3 minutes
Read reviews and learn more about Budget Direct car insurance
Your selected car insurance
Your selected car insurance
Your selected car insurance
* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Car Insurance Awards