It is April 1 and no, this is not a joke. The fuel excise has officially been halved from 52.6 cents per litre to 26.3 cents, effective today. This is the biggest intervention in Australian fuel pricing since the 2022 excise cut, and the circumstances are far more severe.

So what actually happened at the bowser on Day One? Let me walk through the numbers.

The Overnight Price Drop

Petrolmate tracks more than 14,000 stations across Australia and New Zealand, and the data from today tells an encouraging but uneven story. Comparing today's prices to yesterday's:

That ULP drop of 28.3 cents is actually larger than the 26.3 cent excise cut. This suggests the excise reduction has landed on top of a natural price cycle trough in the eastern capitals, which is the best possible timing for motorists.

Diesel's smaller drop of 21 cents is worth noting. Diesel was already under extreme pressure from global supply constraints, and the excise cut alone cannot fully offset the wholesale increases that have pushed diesel past three dollars a litre.

But the Government Says Wait

Despite the promising early numbers, the Albanese Government has explicitly warned that Australians may not feel the full relief for several weeks. This is because excise is levied at the terminal gate when fuel enters the distribution chain, not at the point of sale. Fuel already in station tanks was purchased at the old excise rate.

This means different stations will pass on the savings at different speeds depending on their stock turnover. High volume stations in metro areas will cycle through their old stock faster. Low volume regional stations may take a week or two.

The ACCC has been tasked with intensive, real time monitoring of price movements across all states and territories to ensure the tax cut is passed on. This is not a suggestion. The government has doubled the maximum fines for companies found guilty of anti competitive conduct around fuel pricing, and the ACCC now has the power to issue on the spot fines for transparency violations without going to court.

If you see a station that has not adjusted its prices by mid April, the ACCC wants to hear about it.

State by State: Where Things Stand Today

Not every state has moved at the same pace. Here is where unleaded and diesel averages sit as of today, based on live Petrolmate data across more than 14,000 stations:

Unleaded (ULP)

Diesel

Diesel remains above $3 in every state. The excise cut helps but it cannot undo the global supply shock that has pushed wholesale diesel prices to historic levels.

The Spread Is Staggering

One of the most striking things about today's data is the gap between cheapest and most expensive. Unleaded ranges from under 190 cents at remote Queensland and NT stations to over 395 cents at the extreme end. Diesel ranges from 190 cents to 475 cents at Tilmouth Well Roadhouse in the NT.

That is a 285 cent spread on diesel. For context, the entire excise cut is 26.3 cents. The regional pricing disparity dwarfs the government intervention.

Metro stations in Queensland and South Australia are consistently delivering the lowest prices right now. If you are near Warwick in Queensland, multiple stations have unleaded at 217.9 cents. Costco and United outlets remain among the most competitive in capital cities.

Free Public Transport: Victoria and Tasmania

Starting today, Victoria has made all public transport free for one month. Trains, trams, buses and regional services are all included through to April 30. You do not need to tap your Myki. If you do tap, you will not be charged. The Victorian government estimates the measure will cost $70 million.

Tasmania has free buses and ferries running through to July 1. Airport buses and privately operated services are excluded in both states.

NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia have ruled out free public transport. If you are in those states, the excise cut is your primary source of relief.

The Oil Market Has Not Improved

The excise cut addresses what the government can control. What it cannot control is the global oil price, which continues to reflect the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Brent crude was at $108.76 at the open today, off its peak of $118 but still nearly 50 percent above where it sat at the start of the year. The International Energy Agency has described the situation as the greatest global energy security challenge in history. The emerging consensus among oil analysts is that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within one to three weeks, the economic fallout could escalate sharply.

Iran has signalled safe passage for non hostile ships, which briefly eased prices on March 25, but tanker operators remain unwilling to risk the transit. The fundamental supply disruption continues.

This means the excise cut is fighting against a headwind. Even with 26.3 cents of relief, wholesale costs could push prices higher again if Brent climbs back above $115.

What the ACCC Will Be Watching

The ACCC has been given enhanced powers specifically for this period. Here is what they have said they will monitor:

On the spot fines for transparency violations are now available without requiring court action. This is a meaningful change from 2022 when the ACCC could only monitor and report.

What You Should Do Today

The Bigger Picture

The excise cut saves approximately $19 on a 65 litre tank, or roughly $17 per fill for a Toyota RAV4's 55 litre tank. Over the three month period, that is around $220 to $250 in savings if you fill weekly.

It is welcome relief. But it is a temporary measure fighting a structural crisis. Australia imports over 80 percent of its refined fuel through supply chains that are currently compromised. Two domestic refineries cannot make up the shortfall. Strategic reserves are being drawn down.

The government has been clear that if the crisis continues beyond June, a decision on extending the cut will need to be made. For now, the clock is ticking on a 90 day reprieve.

Fill up smart. Track your prices. And take the free train if you can.

Marcus Riley covers fuel markets and energy policy for Petrolmate. Data sourced from Petrolmate's network of 14,000+ stations, the ACCC, IEA, and government announcements as of April 1, 2026.