Victoria's Tale of Two Suburbs as Traralgon Petrol Drops 34 Cents While Hastings Jumps 35 Cents
*By Sarah Chen | 30th December 2025 2:01pm AEDT*
Latest data from across Victoria reveals a fascinating and somewhat puzzling pattern in unleaded petrol prices. While motorists in Traralgon are enjoying a substantial 34 cent drop, drivers just a couple of hours away in Hastings are facing a 35 cent increase. The numbers tell an interesting story about how location can make or break your fuel budget.
The Gippsland Discount
Looking at the data from the past 24 hours, Traralgon has emerged as one of Victoria's best spots to fill up. Unleaded petrol prices have dropped from around 210 cents per litre to 175.7 cents, representing a notable 34.3 cent decrease. That's a saving of approximately $17 on a standard 50 litre tank.
The good news extends to E10 as well. Traralgon E10 prices have fallen by 37 cents, now sitting at 173 cents per litre. For motorists whose vehicles can run on ethanol blends, this represents even better value.
The Gippsland region appears to be benefiting from competitive pricing pressure among local servos. Nearby Moe is also showing affordable diesel at 173.9 cents average, with prices as low as 169.5 cents at the cheapest stations.
The Mornington Peninsula Squeeze
In stark contrast, Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula has experienced one of the sharpest price increases recorded anywhere in Australia today. Unleaded petrol has jumped from 165.9 cents to 200.8 cents, an increase of 34.9 cents per litre.
This represents a $17.45 difference on a 50 litre fill up compared to yesterday. Premium 98 in Hastings has similarly climbed, now sitting at 225.8 cents, up nearly 33 cents.
The analysis reveals this appears to be part of the fuel price cycle hitting the outer Melbourne area. Worth noting is that Frankston, another Mornington Peninsula suburb, is showing E10 at 167.7 cents, having actually dropped 14 cents. Savvy motorists in the region might consider the short drive to Frankston for better value.
Melbourne's Western Suburbs Join the Rise
Sunshine in Melbourne's west has also seen significant increases, with unleaded jumping 26.5 cents to 205.4 cents per litre. Broadmeadows in the north recorded a 21 cent increase to 178.9 cents.
However, the data indicates not all western suburbs are affected equally. Yarraville is offering diesel at an average of just 173.2 cents, one of the better deals in greater Melbourne. Deer Park is similarly competitive at 176 cents average for diesel.
Where to Find the Best Deals Right Now
A closer analysis reveals several pockets of value across Victoria:
Best Diesel:
- Bright in the Alpine region offers Victoria's cheapest diesel at 160.9 cents
- Cranbourne West in Melbourne's southeast has diesel from 165.9 cents
- Seaford is showing 164.9 cents at the cheapest servos
Best Unleaded/E10:
- Traralgon at 175.7 cents for ULP and 173 cents for E10
- Frankston E10 at 167.7 cents
- Epping diesel has dropped 14 cents to 185.5 cents
The Bigger Picture
Victoria's price spread today sits at a staggering 185 cents for diesel alone, ranging from 160.9 cents to 345.9 cents across the state's 1,199 stations reporting prices. This significant variation underscores why checking prices before filling up remains essential.
Statistically speaking, motorists in regional Victoria are often finding better deals than their metropolitan counterparts right now. The Gippsland and alpine regions in particular are proving competitive.
Interestingly, Thomastown in Melbourne's north shows diesel ranging from 171.9 to 199.9 cents across its eight stations, a 28 cent spread within just one suburb. Reservoir similarly shows a 36 cent range.
Actionable Takeaways
The numbers are clear: motorists who time their fill ups strategically could save substantially this week.
- If you're near Traralgon or the Gippsland area, now is an excellent time to fill up before prices potentially normalise
- Hastings drivers should consider nearby Frankston for better value on E10
- Western suburbs motorists can find relief in Yarraville and Deer Park for diesel
- Regional Victorian towns like Bright, Moe, and Numurkah are worth the detour if you're passing through
The price cycle appears to be hitting different parts of Melbourne at different times. Checking real time prices on the Petrolmate map before heading to the servo could mean the difference between paying $1.65 or $2.25 per litre for the same fuel.
*Data sourced from official government APIs and community verified prices across Victoria.*
