Melbourne Petrol Prices Split in Two With 31 Cent Gap Between Best and Worst Suburbs

A comprehensive analysis of this week's fuel pricing data reveals a significant and growing divide across Melbourne suburbs, with motorists in some areas paying more than 31 cents per litre more than their neighbours just a few kilometres away.

According to recent data compiled on 20th January 2026, the gap between Melbourne's cheapest and most expensive unleaded petrol suburbs has widened considerably overnight. The data paints a clear picture of a metro area where location has become the single most important factor in what you pay at the bowser.

Seaford Leads the Charge Downward

Seaford has emerged as the standout performer for Victoria motorists, with unleaded petrol prices dropping a substantial 31.4 cents overnight to an average of 176.5 cents per litre. This represents one of the largest single day decreases recorded in the Melbourne metro area this month.

Drilling down into the specifics, Seaford's pricing now sits well below the Victoria state average, offering motorists in the southeastern corridor genuine savings. For a typical 50 litre fill, that translates to more than $15 in savings compared to prices just 24 hours earlier.

Western Suburbs Face Opposite Reality

Historical data suggests that when one part of Melbourne drops, another tends to climb and this pattern is consistent with what the data is showing today. While southeastern suburbs celebrate lower prices, the western corridor is experiencing notable increases.

Sunshine unleaded petrol has jumped 22.3 cents to an average of 195.0 cents per litre. Breaking down the regional differences further, Altona North has seen unleaded climb 15.9 cents to 200.7 cents, while Werribee and surrounding areas are also trending upward.

The premium fuel picture tells a similar story. Sunshine Premium 98 has increased 23.4 cents to 217.1 cents per litre, while St Albans Premium 98 rose 17.7 cents to 228.6 cents. For motorists in these western suburbs who require premium fuel, the weekly fill is becoming increasingly expensive.

The Numbers Behind the Divide

Craigieburn in the northern suburbs has seen Premium 98 increase 10.2 cents to 218.4 cents per litre, while Truganina recorded increases of 10.3 cents for Premium 95 and 10.0 cents for Premium 98.

Meanwhile, some areas are finding relief. Preston diesel has dropped 12.2 cents to 182.7 cents per litre, and Rosebud on the Mornington Peninsula saw unleaded decrease 9.6 cents to 192.8 cents.

The data shows Cranbourne West remains competitive for diesel at an average of 162.6 cents per litre, while Deer Park sits at 170.3 cents. Regional Victoria continues to offer solid value, with towns like Myrtleford averaging 170.6 cents for diesel and Moe at 171.4 cents.

What Is Driving These Variations

Industry factors point to several explanations for the pricing divergence. Competition between retailers in high traffic areas like Seaford often triggers aggressive discounting, particularly following weekend trading when inventory levels may need adjustment.

Conversely, areas with fewer competing stations or those positioned along major commuter routes can maintain higher margins. Market dynamics in western suburbs like Sunshine and Altona North reflect this pattern, where motorists often have fewer alternatives and may be filling up out of necessity rather than choice.

Practical Advice for Motorists

For Melbourne drivers willing to shop around, the data clearly demonstrates that location and timing remain the two most important factors in fuel savings. A motorist in St Albans filling with Premium 98 at 228.6 cents could save more than $26 on a 50 litre tank by driving to a competitively priced southeastern suburb.

The spread between cheapest and most expensive unleaded in the Melbourne metro area currently sits at more than 30 cents per litre. That is the equivalent of roughly $15 per tank and more than $750 over a year for motorists who fill up weekly.

Regional Victoria also remains a viable option for those with flexibility. Towns like Bright and Cobram are recording diesel prices well below metro averages, offering savings for those travelling through or living on the urban fringe.

The key takeaway from today's analysis is clear. Melbourne fuel prices have split into two distinct markets, and motorists who check prices before filling stand to make genuine savings.