NSW Diesel Prices Drop Over 5 Cents While South Australia Cops an Increase
Right, so here's the thing. If you're running a ute, van, or anything that drinks diesel in New South Wales, you've copped a bit of a break this week. We're seeing diesel prices come down about 5.2 cents across the state, which is a solid drop when you're filling up a 70 litre tank. That's nearly four bucks back in your pocket.
Meanwhile, poor old South Australia is going the other way. They've seen diesel jump up 5.4 cents, which is a bit rough heading into the Christmas break when everyone's got places to be.
Where to Find the Cheapest Diesel in NSW
Now, you'd be mad not to check out Western Sydney if you're chasing diesel at the moment. The usual suspects are doing the right thing by us.
Fairfield is sitting pretty with diesel starting from 170.5 cents per litre at some servos, averaging around 172.7 cents. Fair dinkum, that's about 18 cents cheaper than the state average of 190.5 cents. Worth the drive if you're anywhere nearby.
Granville is another winner, with servos holding steady at 176.5 cents. What I like about Granville is the consistency. No one's trying to take the mick with inflated prices. All three servos in the area are sitting at the same price, which makes life easy.
Smithfield is showing some serious competition too. You can find diesel as cheap as 167.5 cents if you hit the right servo, though the average sits around 180.5 cents. There's a 35 cent spread between the cheapest and most expensive, so do your homework before pulling in.
Down the coast, Nowra is worth a mention for anyone heading that way. Diesel starts from 169.9 cents, averaging 177.4 cents. Not bad for a regional town.
Port Kembla is another solid option if you're in the Wollongong area, with prices sitting tight around 176.5 to 178.9 cents.
The South Australia Situation
Adelaide and the broader SA region have copped it a bit this week. That 5.4 cent increase might not sound like much, but when diesel was already sitting around 179.8 cents average, pushing it up to 185.2 cents stings.
The cheapest diesel in SA is coming in at 172.9 cents, but you'll find places charging as much as 228.9 cents. That's a 56 cent spread, which tells you there's money to be saved if you shop around.
What's Going On With Petrol?
Look, I know most of you are running unleaded, so here's the good news. The eastern states are pretty stable this week. No major swings either way on ULP, which is what you want heading into Christmas.
Melbourne has seen some movement in the western suburbs with Altona North copping an 11 cent increase on unleaded, pushing it up to around 184.6 cents. But that's pretty localised.
Over in Perth, places like Baldivis and Ellenbrook are seeing ULP prices DROP by about 8 cents, which is a nice bit of relief after they got smashed a couple weeks back.
My Tips for the Christmas Rush
Here's the thing, right. Everyone's going to be filling up over the next week before they head off to see family. Prices tend to creep up when demand spikes, so if you can fill up in the next day or two, reckon you'll be better off.
For my Western Sydney mates, stick to the industrial areas around Fairfield, Smithfield, and Granville. The servos there are used to dealing with tradies and truckers, so they keep prices competitive.
If you're doing a long drive down the coast, fill up before you leave Sydney. Regional prices can be hit and miss, though Nowra and Batemans Bay are both reasonable at the moment.
And for anyone crossing into Victoria or Queensland, you'll find prices pretty similar once you get past the border towns. Nothing dramatic to worry about.
The Bottom Line
NSW diesel drivers are winning this week. That 5.2 cent drop is real money when you're filling up regularly. SA not so much with their 5.4 cent increase, but that's the fuel game for you.
Look, end of the day, a bit of planning means more cash in your pocket for the important stuff. Can't argue with that. Have a safe one on the roads this Christmas.
*Prices checked 19th December 2025 2:08pm AEDT via Petrolmate.*
