Victorian Regional Petrol Prices Surge Up to 12 Cents While Melbourne Suburbanites Find Savings

This week's fuel price data uncovers some interesting patterns across Victoria that deserve closer scrutiny. While motorists in regional towns like Bendigo and Morwell are seeing petrol prices jump by as much as 12 cents per litre, savvy drivers in Melbourne's northern suburbs are finding unexpected relief.

The Numbers That Demand Attention

Digging deeper into the numbers, Bendigo unleaded petrol prices have climbed 11.6 cents to reach 170.5 cents per litre, up from 158.9 cents just days ago. That's a 7.3 percent increase that adds approximately $5.80 to a typical 50 litre fill up.

Morwell in the Gippsland region shows a similar trajectory, with unleaded prices now sitting at 167.0 cents after a 9.1 cent increase. Meanwhile, the nearby town of Traralgon has seen diesel prices jump 12.7 cents to 179.6 cents per litre.

A closer look reveals that premium fuels have been hit even harder. St Albans in Melbourne's west has recorded an extraordinary 33.3 cent increase in Premium 98, now averaging 213.2 cents per litre. That's a 18.5 percent spike that raises serious questions about pricing strategies in the area.

Where Melbourne Drivers Are Finding Better Deals

The variation between regions is striking. While regional areas absorb these increases, some Melbourne suburbs are bucking the trend entirely.

Campbellfield motorists have seen unleaded prices actually decrease by 10.4 cents, dropping from 189.9 to 179.5 cents per litre. This presents a valuable opportunity for drivers in Melbourne's northern corridor.

Epping tells a similar story for diesel users, with prices falling 16.4 cents to reach 180.5 cents per litre, down from 196.9 cents. For tradespeople and commercial operators in the area, this represents a meaningful saving.

Deer Park continues to offer competitive diesel pricing at 170.0 cents average, while Reservoir averages 173.1 cents across its eight stations, though motorists should be aware that prices there range from 163.9 cents to a notable 201.2 cents, a spread of over 37 cents.

Premium Fuel Users Need to Be Particularly Vigilant

The data reveals that premium fuel buyers face the largest variations. Altona North has seen Premium 98 jump 15.7 cents to 207.2 cents, while Premium 95 in the same suburb increased 14.2 cents to 195.7 cents.

Sunshine follows the same pattern with Premium 98 climbing 9.6 cents to reach 200.3 cents per litre. These increases disproportionately affect drivers of performance vehicles and certain European models that require higher octane fuels.

For Hamilton motorists in Victoria's Western District, Premium 98 now costs 193.2 cents after an 11.3 cent increase, putting it on par with many Melbourne suburban stations despite the regional location.

What This Means for Victorian Motorists

The state average for diesel sits at 183.1 cents per litre across 1,221 stations, but this figure masks enormous variations. Victoria's diesel price spread of 188 cents between cheapest and most expensive stations raises questions that deserve answers.

Some stations are selling diesel at 157.9 cents while others charge 345.9 cents. Even accounting for remote locations, this level of variation warrants consumer awareness.

Thomastown illustrates this perfectly with eight stations averaging 173.7 cents but ranging from 163.9 to 196.9 cents. That's a 33 cent spread within a single suburb. Motorists should be aware that which servo you choose can make a substantial difference to your weekly fuel bill.

The Practical Takeaway

Victoria petrol and diesel prices are moving in multiple directions simultaneously, making it more important than ever to check current prices before filling up.

Regional drivers in Bendigo, Morwell, and surrounding areas face the brunt of this week's increases on unleaded petrol. If you're planning a trip to these areas, consider filling up before you leave Melbourne's suburban fringe.

For Melbourne motorists, suburbs like Campbellfield, Epping, and Deer Park offer better value this week compared to inner Melbourne locations.

Armed with this information, motorists can make informed decisions and avoid paying more than necessary. The data suggests shopping around within your local area can yield savings of $5 to $15 per tank, depending on fuel type and timing.

*Prices current as at 24th January 2026 2:03pm AEDT. Check the interactive fuel map for real time pricing in your area.*