Perth's average petrol price is set to rise by about 35 cents per litre on Tuesday compared to last week, disrupting the city's typical weekly price cycle. According to FuelWatch, the average price for regular unleaded petrol will reach 193.8 cents per litre, up from 159.3 cents a week ago.
The increase threatens to overturn what has been known as 'cheap fuel' day, as Perth's usual cycle sees prices peak on Wednesday and gradually fall over the following six days. On Friday, the average price was $1.87 per litre.
Among major brands, Caltex will charge an average of 202.3 cents per litre, the highest in Perth, followed by Reddy Express at 201.9 cents and United at 194.8 cents. The most expensive individual stations, including Shell and BP outlets in Mount Lawley and Redcliffe, are charging up to 209.9 cents per litre.
The cheapest major brand is 7-Eleven at 186.3 cents per litre, while Costco offers the lowest overall price at 172.7 cents per litre. The price surge comes amid the Middle East conflict, which has sparked panic buying and disrupted crude oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz.
United Petroleum, Australia's largest independent retailer, has begun rationing fuel to distributors. In the Wheatbelt, the Shire of Trayning reported that Great Southern Fuels is restricting customer pumping hours at their bowsers.
