Melbourne Western Suburbs Petrol Prices Climb 10 Cents as Outer Metro Cycle Peaks

A comprehensive analysis of this week's fuel pricing data reveals significant price movements across Melbourne's western suburbs, with motorists in Werribee, Altona North, and surrounding areas facing increases of up to 10 cents per litre for standard unleaded petrol.

According to the latest data collected on 25th January 2026, Werribee has recorded a notable jump in unleaded prices, climbing from 165.5 cents to 175.5 cents per litre across its 11 monitored service stations. This 10 cent increase reflects the suburb's position in the upswing phase of the metropolitan fuel cycle.

Breaking Down the Regional Differences

The data paints a clear picture of pricing pressure concentrated in Victoria's outer western corridor. Altona North has seen unleaded prices rise from 173.2 cents to 181.2 cents per litre, an 8 cent increase that places the suburb among the more expensive options for motorists in the region.

Drilling down into the specifics, the price movements extend beyond standard unleaded. Premium 98 octane fuel in Werribee has climbed to 198.5 cents per litre, up from 188.5 cents, while Altona North Premium 98 has reached 205.1 cents, up from 192.0 cents.

This pattern is consistent with the cyclical nature of Melbourne fuel pricing, where outer suburbs often experience more pronounced swings compared to inner metropolitan areas. Historical data suggests these peaks typically last between three and five days before competitive pressure drives prices back down.

Where to Find Better Value

For motorists willing to shop around, the data clearly demonstrates that significant savings remain available in select suburbs. Deer Park is currently offering diesel at an average of 170.0 cents per litre, while Yarraville sits at 171.0 cents for the same fuel type.

Those in Melbourne's outer southeast are faring somewhat better. Cranbourne West has bucked the trend, with diesel prices actually falling 8.6 cents to an average of 174.7 cents per litre. Similarly, Premium 98 octane in Cranbourne West has dropped 6.7 cents to 201.9 cents per litre.

In the northern suburbs, Broadmeadows motorists running vehicles on LPG have seen prices decrease by 9.9 cents to 100.5 cents per litre, providing welcome relief for autogas users.

The Bigger Picture Across Victoria

Looking at the statewide figures, Victoria diesel prices are averaging 183.1 cents per litre, with a spread of 49.1 cents between the cheapest and most expensive outlets. The minimum price recorded is 157.9 cents, while the maximum reaches 207.0 cents.

Regional Victoria continues to show competitive pricing in select towns. Bright in the state's northeast is averaging 167.2 cents per litre for diesel, while Moe in Gippsland offers some of the state's cheapest fuel at 169.5 cents average, with the lowest price recorded at just 159.5 cents.

Myrtleford sits at 170.6 cents for diesel, demonstrating that regional Victorian towns can often undercut metropolitan prices, particularly during peak cycle periods in the city.

What Motorists Should Consider

Industry factors suggest the current price movement in Melbourne's west reflects the usual retail cycle rather than any fundamental shift in wholesale costs. The concentrated nature of the increases in the western corridor, while other areas like Cranbourne West are seeing reductions, supports this analysis.

For drivers in the affected western suburbs, the data shows that timing purchases to coincide with the cycle's downswing could yield savings of 8 to 10 cents per litre. Based on historical patterns, this correction typically occurs within three to five days of the peak.

Those filling up in Werribee, Altona North, or St Albans today should consider whether a short trip to Deer Park or Reservoir might offer better value. Reservoir currently shows diesel averaging 174.2 cents with some stations offering as low as 163.9 cents per litre.

For motorists willing to shop around, location and timing remain the two most important factors in fuel savings. The 10 cent spread currently visible across Melbourne's suburbs translates to roughly $5 to $6 per tank, making the effort to compare prices well worth the time for budget conscious drivers.