Tuesday will be Perth drivers’ cheapest chance to fill up all year — and likely for the rest of 2026 — before a federal fuel tax change pushes prices higher at the bowser from Wednesday. Unleaded petrol will average 148.3¢ a litre across the metropolitan area tomorrow, while diesel will average 168.4¢ a litre.
Rock-bottom prices at selected stations
Solo Hamilton Hill will be Perth’s cheapest with ULP priced at a rock-bottom 136.5¢ a litre — nearly two whole cents cheaper than the current 2026 low of 138.2¢ set today at Vibe Hamilton Hill. For diesel drivers, fuel is still comparatively cheap compared to the dazzling high mark near $3 per litre brought about by the Middle East conflict. But tomorrow’s prices in Perth will not quite match the cost at the start of the year, when diesel was as cheap as 143.1¢. OMG Metro Maddington is offering tomorrow’s cheapest diesel at 147.5¢ a litre.
Stark turnaround from earlier peaks
The sub-$1.50 prices represent a stark and welcome turnaround from the eye-watering peaks seen earlier this year, when global supply shocks pushed Perth ULP averages to a record 222.5¢ a litre in March, and diesel to a punishing 293.1¢ a litre in April. However, the relief will be short-lived. From July 1, the Australian Government’s emergency fuel excise assistance will be halved. The current 32-cent-per-litre reduction — which included combined federal and state GST relief — will drop to a 16-cent discount.
Background of the excise cut
The 32-cent subsidy was introduced in April as a shock absorber following the Strait of Hormuz crisis in late February, which triggered global oil shortages. With international crude markets now moderating, Canberra is winding back the multi-billion-dollar handout with a staged approach to avoid the risk of panic buying and supply shortages. The change means motorists will soon absorb a 16-cent-per-litre increase at the pump.
Gradual price increase expected
While the excise rate jumps automatically on Wednesday, the price pain may not hit immediately. The government expects the 16-cent increase to flow through gradually as individual service stations sell through their current stock and replenish their underground tanks. To ensure fuel companies do not use the tax changes as a smokescreen for profiteering, the federal government has instructed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to closely monitor pricing and stamp out any signs of price gouging.
