Preston Diesel Drops Over 12 Cents as Melbourne Northern Suburbs Show Stark Price Contrasts

Latest data from across Victoria reveals a fascinating divergence in diesel prices this week. While some Melbourne northern suburbs are seeing notable increases, Preston motorists are enjoying one of the most substantial decreases recorded in recent days, with diesel dropping 12.2 cents to average 178.7 cents per litre.

The Numbers Tell an Interesting Story

Looking at the data from the past 24 hours, Preston stands out as the clear winner for diesel buyers in Melbourne's north. The suburb's average diesel price fell from 190.9 cents to 178.7 cents, representing a significant saving for drivers filling up a standard 60 litre tank.

This represents a notable shift from the broader Victorian trend. Statewide, diesel prices edged down just 0.4 cents overnight to average 181.5 cents. The Preston decrease is roughly 30 times the state average movement, making it worth noting for motorists willing to travel a few extra kilometres.

Contrasting Movements Across the Northern Corridor

A closer analysis reveals that not all northern suburbs are experiencing the same relief. The data indicates substantial variation within just a few kilometres:

Suburbs seeing increases:

Suburbs holding steady or decreasing:

This pattern suggests localised competition dynamics rather than broader market movements. When one suburb drops substantially while neighbours increase, it typically indicates a price war or a single retailer making aggressive moves to capture market share.

Where to Find the Best Diesel Deals

For motorists prioritising diesel value, Reservoir currently offers particularly consistent pricing. With 8 stations averaging 169.2 cents and a spread of just 9 cents between the cheapest (164.9 cents) and most expensive (173.9 cents), drivers can confidently fill up at almost any servo in the suburb.

Kingsbury presents an interesting option as well, with diesel averaging 170.1 cents. However, the 19.4 cent spread between the cheapest (162.5 cents) and most expensive (181.9 cents) stations means motorists need to choose carefully.

Further out, regional Victoria towns are showing competitive prices:

[E10](/fuel/e10) and Unleaded Trends

Statistically speaking, motorists in Melbourne's north are seeing mixed signals on standard fuels as well. Thomastown E10 prices dropped 9.3 cents to average 166.6 cents, offering solid value for vehicles that can run ethanol blended fuel.

For standard unleaded, Deer Park in the western suburbs continues offering diesel at 166.5 cents minimum, though this is notable for being well below the Victorian average despite not technically being in the northern corridor.

The Bigger Picture

Comparing Victoria to other states, the data shows:

Victoria sits in the middle of the pack nationally, though the 91.2 cent spread between cheapest (159.3 cents) and most expensive (250.5 cents) stations statewide indicates substantial savings are available for those who shop around.

Actionable Takeaways

The numbers are clear: motorists who time their fill ups strategically could save substantially this week. For those in Melbourne's northern suburbs:

  1. Diesel buyers: Head to Preston or Reservoir rather than Coburg or Craigieburn
  2. E10 users: Thomastown is currently the pick at 166.6 cents average
  3. Regional drivers: Moe offers some of the cheapest diesel in the state at 159.5 cents

    4. With price movements of 12 cents occurring overnight in some locations, checking current prices before filling up is worth the few seconds it takes. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive diesel in Victoria currently sits at over 91 cents per litre, enough to add more than $54 to a 60 litre fill.

    *Prices current as of 3rd February 2026 8:12am AEDT*