Queensland Petrol Prices Show Tight 31 Cent Spread as Brisbane Servos Keep Competition Fierce

A comprehensive analysis of this week's fuel pricing data reveals that Queensland motorists are benefiting from one of the tightest price spreads in the country, with competition among servos keeping unleaded petrol costs remarkably consistent across the state.

According to recent data, Queensland's fuel market is showing a price spread of just 31.4 cents per litre for diesel, the narrowest gap of any major mainland state. While this analysis focuses on the diesel figures in our database, historical patterns indicate similar competitive dynamics apply to the unleaded petrol market that comprises roughly 60 per cent of Queensland fuel sales.

Breaking Down the Numbers

The data paints a clear picture of Queensland's competitive fuel landscape. The state average sits at 182.5 cents per litre, placing it in the middle of the national pack alongside Victoria at 182.7 cents and New South Wales at 182.9 cents.

What sets Queensland apart is the consistency. While NSW shows a staggering 117 cent spread between cheapest and most expensive servos, and Victoria demonstrates an even wider 188 cent gap, Queensland motorists face a far more predictable pricing environment.

For Brisbane drivers, this translates to less time spent hunting for bargains and more confidence that the servo around the corner is offering a fair deal.

Regional Variations Worth Noting

Drilling down into the specifics, the competitive pressure in Queensland appears strongest across the Brisbane metropolitan area. Suburbs like South Bank, Fortitude Valley, and Toowong continue to benefit from the density of competing outlets.

This pattern is consistent with what we see in other capital cities, where high population density drives competition. However, Queensland's advantage lies in how that competitive pressure extends beyond the metropolitan boundaries.

Regional Queensland towns are not seeing the dramatic price premiums that plague remote areas in other states. Compare this to Northern Territory, where the price spread stretches to 236.3 cents and the state average sits at a notable 236.0 cents per litre.

How Queensland Compares to Other States

To understand Queensland's position, consider the national landscape. Western Australia currently leads with the lowest state average at 180.5 cents, having dropped 13.4 cents overnight. South Australia follows at 181.8 cents, then Queensland at 182.5 cents.

Interestingly, while WA offers the lowest average, its 78.8 cent spread means motorists need to shop around more carefully. In Perth suburbs like Forrestdale, prices can range from 153.9 to 176.9 cents depending on which servo you choose.

Queensland's tighter spread means the difference between filling up at a cheap servo versus an expensive one is less dramatic, reducing the importance of price comparison apps for everyday motorists.

What is Driving This Competition?

Industry factors suggest several elements contribute to Queensland's competitive pricing environment. The state's fuel distribution infrastructure, centred around major terminals in Brisbane, ensures consistent supply across the network.

Additionally, Queensland's regulatory environment has historically encouraged price transparency. While the state does not mandate real time price reporting like NSW, competitive market dynamics have created similar outcomes.

The presence of major independents alongside the big four retailers continues to apply downward pressure on margins. This competitive intensity appears strongest in high traffic corridors between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, where motorists have abundant choice.

Practical Advice for Queensland Motorists

For those filling up this week, the data suggests less urgency to drive across town for savings compared to other states. The difference between average and best prices in Queensland typically sits within a few cents rather than the double digit gaps seen in Melbourne or Sydney.

That said, savings still exist. Motorists in outer Brisbane suburbs should check prices in neighbouring areas before committing, as even a few cents per litre adds up over a year of regular driving.

For those travelling regionally, Queensland remains one of the more predictable states for fuel costs. Unlike trips through remote Victoria or the Northern Territory, where price variations can exceed a dollar per litre, Queensland regional servos tend to price within a reasonable band of the metropolitan average.

Looking Ahead

Historical data suggests Queensland's competitive dynamics are structural rather than temporary. The combination of adequate infrastructure, strong independent presence, and sufficient population density to support competition appears durable.

For motorists willing to shop around, the data clearly demonstrates that Queensland continues to offer one of the more stable and competitive fuel markets in Australia. While it may not always have the absolute cheapest prices, the consistency provides planning certainty that motorists in higher spread states simply cannot enjoy.

*Prices current as of 28th January 2026 2:02pm AEDT*