Third year running: Brisbane remains Australia's most expensive city to refuel

Brisbane motorists are once again paying more at the bowser than drivers in any other Australian capital, with the city recording the nation's highest average petrol prices for the third consecutive year.

According to the latest annual fuel price report from RACQ, Brisbane's average price for regular unleaded petrol in 2025 was 185.2 cents per litre (cpl). That compares with Adelaide, the cheapest capital over the same period, where drivers paid an average 173.8 cpl.

RACQ principal economic and affordability specialist Ian Jeffreys said the issue had become a familiar one for Queensland motorists.

"It's pretty much the same conversation every year. Brisbane is dealing with a legacy fuel market," he said.

While prices remain the highest nationally, there was some relief for drivers last year, with average unleaded prices falling 9.3 cpl from the record highs of 2024.

Where to find the cheapest fuel

The report found major differences across the city. Kuraby, on Brisbane's southside, was the cheapest suburb in 2025, averaging 162.8 cpl, while Clayfield recorded the city's highest average at 200 cpl.

"Motorists can save significantly by shopping around, with suburb-to-suburb differences approaching 40 cents per litre," Dr Jeffreys said.

Brisbane also recorded the second-highest diesel prices among Australian capitals, averaging 189.6 cpl, down from 193.6 cpl in 2024.

Why Brisbane pays more

Dr Jeffreys said Brisbane's higher prices were driven by longer and steeper price cycles, with shorter low-price periods than other capitals. Another key factor is a lack of competition.

"Only about 20 per cent of Brisbane's fuel market is made up of small chains or independent operators," he said.
"Other capitals have far more of these sites, and they're the ones that tend to offer cheaper prices."

While new independent service stations are being developed, RACQ says the pace is too slow to significantly influence the citywide average.

Calls for regulation

In response, RACQ has renewed calls for government intervention to curb what it describes as unfair and unjustified price hikes.

"Brisbane has become one of the most expensive and unpredictable fuel markets in the country," Dr Jeffreys said.
"It's clear the current system isn't working in the best interests of motorists."

RACQ says discussions and modelling are already underway with the Queensland Government to explore possible regulatory options.