Victoria Unleaded Drops 20 Cents in the Mallee While Northern Melbourne Cops a 46 Cent Diesel Jump

Right, so if you reckon fuel prices in Victoria are straightforward, you haven't been paying attention this week. I've been watching the numbers come through and fair dinkum, the gap between what you're paying in northern Melbourne versus what they're charging out in the Mallee is absolutely wild right now.

Let's start with the good news. Out in Ouyen, about four hours northwest of Melbourne, unleaded has dropped a solid 20.4 cents to sit at 259.5 cents a litre. That's the kind of move that actually makes a difference to your weekly budget. On a 60 litre tank, you're saving over twelve bucks compared to last week. That's a couple of coffees and a sausage roll at the bakery, which I reckon most of us wouldn't say no to.

Now here's where it gets interesting. While country Victoria is seeing some relief at the bowser, parts of northern Melbourne are copping it the other way. Thomastown diesel has jumped a massive 46.4 cents to hit 310.3 cents a litre. That is not a typo. Forty six cents overnight. If you're running a tradie ute or a delivery van out of Thomastown, that's an extra $27 on a full tank compared to what you were paying.

Reservoir isn't far behind either, with diesel climbing 34.1 cents to 305.4 cents. And if you think switching to premium diesel helps, think again. Reservoir's premium diesel is up 28.9 cents to 308.8 cents. Across the northern suburbs, it's been a rough week for anyone running on the heavier stuff.

But here's the thing, right. Victoria's overall diesel picture tells a bigger story. The state average sits at 310.3 cents, but the spread between the cheapest and dearest servo is a staggering 160 cents. You've got Moolap down near Geelong selling diesel at 203.9 cents while some servos up near the border are pushing close to 350. That's the kind of gap that makes you wonder if we're all living in the same state.

If you're a diesel driver in Melbourne and you've got a bit of flexibility on where you fill up, it's worth looking south. Cranbourne West is averaging 300.9 cents, Noble Park sits at 302.5 cents, and Footscray is at 303.2 cents. Not exactly cheap, but a fair bit better than what Thomastown is asking.

For the unleaded crowd, and that's most of us, the real action is in regional Vic. Traralgon in Gippsland has actually seen diesel come down 24.1 cents, which is a nice change of pace for a town that's been copping higher prices lately. Golden Square near Bendigo is sitting at 295.9 for diesel and the unleaded competition around East Bendigo and Epsom has been keeping prices honest.

Down the coast, Seaford has seven servos competing within a 13 cent band for diesel, which tells you there's decent competition keeping things in check. When you've got that many stations within a few kays of each other, nobody can take the mick for too long before drivers vote with their wheels.

Now, worth keeping an eye on Bairnsdale if you're heading that way. premium 95 is up 16.2 cents and premium 98 is up 17.5 cents. East Gippsland has always been a bit pricier given the distance from the terminals, but those jumps are above what you'd expect.

So what's driving all this? diesel prices nationally are on the rise. NSW average diesel jumped nearly 15 cents, Tasmania copped 13.4 cents, and even the ACT is up 10 cents. Victoria's 7 cent statewide average increase doesn't sound too bad until you realise it's hiding massive local variation. Some suburbs are getting smashed while others barely notice.

For the average Victorian motorist filling up with unleaded, the picture is a bit calmer. The wild swings are mostly in diesel and premium grades. But if Ouyen can get unleaded under 260 cents, it makes you wonder why some metro servos are still sitting well above that.

Look, end of the day, if you're in northern Melbourne and you drive a diesel, shop around. The difference between Thomastown and Deer Park just 20 minutes west could save you over ten bucks a tank. And if you're out in the regions, the competition is doing its job in most towns. A bit of planning means more cash in your pocket for the important stuff. Can't argue with that.