Frankston Petrol Prices Drop 10 Cents as Melbourne Outer Suburbs Buck the Trend

*26th January 2026 2:30pm AEDT*

Latest data from across Victoria reveals a fascinating divergence in petrol pricing. While some Melbourne growth corridors are experiencing notable increases, motorists in Frankston and surrounding areas are enjoying substantial relief at the bowser.

The Numbers Tell an Interesting Story

Looking at data from the past 24 hours, Frankston has emerged as a standout performer for Melbourne motorists. Unleaded petrol prices in the bayside suburb have dropped by 10.5 cents, bringing the average to 169.4 cents per litre. Premium 98 has seen an even more notable decrease of 13.2 cents, now averaging 192.7 cents.

This represents a significant saving for regular commuters. For a motorist with a 60 litre tank filling up weekly, the Frankston price drop translates to roughly $6 saved per fill, or approximately $312 over a year.

Ferntree Gully and Eastern Suburbs Follow Suit

The data indicates this isn't an isolated phenomenon. Ferntree Gully in Melbourne's outer east is showing similar patterns, with Premium 95 dropping by 13 cents to average 182.9 cents per litre. This suggests a broader easing across Melbourne's outer metropolitan ring.

Interestingly, the price relief appears concentrated in established outer suburbs rather than newer growth areas. Analysis reveals motorists in mature corridors are benefiting from stronger retail competition, while newer developments are still building their servo networks.

Growth Corridors Face Different Pressures

A closer analysis reveals that Melbourne's western growth corridors paint a contrasting picture. Craigieburn in the city's north has seen E10 prices increase by 15.7 cents to 170.4 cents, while diesel has risen 8.3 cents to 185.1 cents per litre.

Tarneit in the outer west is experiencing similar upward pressure, with Premium Diesel climbing 13.7 cents to 183.6 cents. Truganina, another fast growing western suburb, has seen diesel edge up 6.9 cents.

This east versus west divide is worth noting for Melbourne motorists planning their weekly fill ups. The data suggests that taking a short detour to established suburbs like Frankston or Ferntree Gully could yield meaningful savings.

Regional Victoria Offers Competitive Options

For those willing to venture further, regional Victoria continues to offer value. Bright in the state's alpine region is averaging 167.5 cents for diesel, while Moe in Gippsland has some of the state's cheapest diesel starting from 159.5 cents.

Deer Park, sitting between Melbourne's inner and outer west, offers an interesting middle ground with diesel averaging 170 cents. However, Premium Diesel there has increased by 10 cents, suggesting the market remains dynamic.

Other regional towns showing competitive pricing include Myrtleford at 170.6 cents average for diesel and Wonthaggi on the Bass Coast at 171.1 cents.

What This Means for Victorian Motorists

The statewide Victoria diesel average currently sits at 183 cents per litre across 1,224 stations, a modest 0.7 cent increase from yesterday. However, the significant variation between suburbs, from 157.9 cents to 345.9 cents, underscores the importance of shopping around.

For unleaded petrol, the outer eastern corridor around Frankston and Ferntree Gully represents the current sweet spot for value seekers. Melbourne inner suburban prices remain notably higher, with the gap often exceeding 15 cents per litre compared to outer metro locations.

Strategic Fill Up Tips

Based on the current data, motorists in Melbourne's east and southeast have the advantage this week. Those in western growth corridors may find it worthwhile to fill up during their commute through established suburbs rather than waiting until they reach home.

The numbers are clear: Frankston motorists enjoying 169.4 cent unleaded are paying substantially less than counterparts in Craigieburn seeing E10 at 170.4 cents. When Premium 98 is factored in, the eastern suburbs advantage becomes even more pronounced.

For diesel users, the spread across Victoria remains notable. Those with flexibility in their fill up locations could save 25 cents or more per litre by choosing stations in suburbs like Thomastown, where averages sit at 173.7 cents despite a wide price spread, or heading to regional centres like Bright.

The data indicates that competition in Melbourne's established suburbs continues to work in consumers' favour, while newer growth areas are still developing the retail density needed to drive prices down. Worth noting for anyone house hunting or planning their weekly errands around petrol prices.