Brace yourself for some shocking news: Brisbane, a city known for its sunny skies and vibrant culture, has been dealing with a dark cloud over its head for three long years. The city's drivers have been paying more for fuel than their counterparts in any other Australian capital, and it's not just a one-off occurrence - it's a consistent, ongoing trend.
The RACQ, Queensland's peak motoring body, has released its annual report, and the findings are eye-opening. Brisbane's average unleaded fuel prices in 2025 were the highest among all capital cities, with an average of 185.2 cents per litre (cpl). Compare that to Adelaide, the cheapest city over the last three years, where drivers paid an average of 173.8 cpl, and you start to see the disparity.
But here's where it gets controversial: Dr. Ian Jeffreys, RACQ's principal economic and affordability specialist, suggests that Brisbane's fuel prices are influenced by a unique market dynamic. He describes it as a "legacy market" with longer price cycles, higher jumps, and shorter cheap phases compared to other cities.
"When we look at the cheaper cities, their price cycles are shorter and flatter," Dr. Jeffreys explains. He also highlights the lack of independent service stations in Brisbane, which, he says, are the ones offering lower prices.
However, there's a glimmer of hope. Dr. Jeffreys mentions that some smaller chains in Brisbane are starting to break free from the price cycle, offering consistently lower prices. Additionally, new independent sites are being developed, although the process is slow and expensive.
So, what's the solution? RACQ is calling for market regulation to tackle unfair and unjustified price hikes. Dr. Jeffreys believes that government intervention is necessary to level the playing field for Brisbane's motorists.
"Queensland's capital has consistently been one of the most expensive and unpredictable cities for fuel," he says. "It's time for a change."
And this is the part most people miss: the power of consumer choice. The report also analyzed fuel prices across Brisbane, identifying Kuraby as the city's cheapest suburb for fuel in 2025, with an average of 162.8 cpl. A 25-minute drive away, Clayfield recorded the city's highest average at 200 cpl.
"Motorists could save significantly by shopping around," Dr. Jeffreys advises.
So, Brisbane drivers, are you ready to take control of your fuel costs? The choice is yours, and with a little research, you might just find that golden fuel station offering a great deal.
What do you think? Should the government step in to regulate fuel prices, or is it a matter of market forces and consumer choice? Let's discuss in the comments!
