Perth Fuel Prices Skyrocket to Alarming Levels Amid Global Supply Crisis
West Australians have long endured Wednesday as the peak of the weekly fuel price cycle, but this week delivered an unprecedented blow to motorists' wallets. Data from FuelWatch, which monitors fuel prices across the city, indicates that the majority of providers were selling fuel at well over two dollars per litre on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
BP Emerges as the Most Expensive Retailer in Perth
While no clear patterns emerged regarding consistently cheaper suburbs, BP distinguished itself as the sole retailer reaching the highest price point. The company charged a staggering $2.45.9 per litre at multiple locations across Perth, including Applecross, Wembley, Highgate, and Scarborough. Interestingly, BP offered slightly lower rates at its Morley and Attadale branches, where fuel was priced at $2.15.9 per litre.
Following BP, Ampol ranked as the next most expensive provider, charging $2.34.9 per litre at the majority of its petrol stations. Affected locations included Murdoch, East Fremantle, Mount Lawley, and Gwelup. Shell positioned itself slightly below Ampol, with most Perth providers setting prices at $2.29.9 per litre, while 7-Eleven predominantly charged 219.9 cents per litre.
Cheapest Fuel Options and Average Costs
For motorists seeking relief, the cheapest fuel on Wednesday was available exclusively to Costco members, who could access prices of $1.84.7 per litre at Casuarina and Perth Airport locations. Other affordable options included Better Choice petrol stations in Tuart Hill at $1.97.5 per litre and Edgewater at $1.93.5 per litre.
The average cost across Perth reached $2.22.6 per litre, marking the highest level since September 20, 2023, when motorists paid $2.23.5 at the bowser. This surge has placed significant financial strain on households and businesses alike.
Fuel Restrictions and Supply Chain Disruptions
Compounding the price crisis, fuel restrictions were implemented in York, a town approximately 90 minutes east of Perth. Handwritten signs at local service stations alerted drivers to a 50 litre fuel restriction per customer, with one sign reading, "It is unknown when we will get another delivery, thank you for understanding."
The spike in Perth fuel prices is directly linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow route carries around 20 per cent of the world's oil, and with tankers unable to move freely, oil-rich countries are cutting output or stockpiling supplies. This tightens global availability and drives up international prices.
Global Impact on Australian Fuel Markets
Since oil is traded globally, even the threat of reduced supply quickly translates to higher fuel costs worldwide. Australia feels this impact more acutely because it now imports about 90 per cent of its refined fuel. Although the Government maintains that national supply is arriving as expected, panic-buying and distribution hiccups have caused local shortages in Western Australia.
Combined with elevated global import costs, Perth drivers are experiencing the full brunt of these disruptions at the pump. Unfortunately, the situation is expected to worsen, with Thursday's projected fuel prices across Perth set to climb even higher.
Projected Cheapest Fuel Prices for Thursday, March 12
- Liberty Beckenham: $1.95.5 per litre
- Costco Perth Airport (with membership): $1.98.7 per litre
- Herne Hill General Store: $1.99 per litre
- Atlas Fuel Ascot: $2.05.9 per litre
- Atlas Fuel Forrestfield: $2.06.9 per litre
As Perth grapples with this fuel crisis, motorists are urged to plan ahead and explore cost-saving options where available. The combination of geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities underscores the fragility of global fuel markets and their direct impact on everyday Australians.
