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How much was a litre petrol in 1976 In Australia​

How much was a litre petrol in 1976 In Australia....

In 1976, the average price of petrol in Australia was about $0.15 to $0.20 per litre. That’s right—filling up the tank back then could cost less than grabbing a coffee today!

Of course, wages and the cost of living were different too, but it still feels like a sweet deal in hindsight.
Want to take a spin through petrol price history?

Petrol Prices in Australia by Decade (Approximate Averages)​

Decade	Average Price per Litre (AUD)	Notes
1970s	$0.15–$0.20	Prices surged after the 1973 oil crisis.
1980s	$0.30–$0.50	Volatile due to Middle East conflicts and global oil shocks.
1990s	$0.60–$0.80	Gradual increases with global market shifts.
2000s	$0.90–$1.40	Spikes during the 2008 global financial crisis.
2010s	$1.20–$1.50	Prices fluctuated with oil supply and demand.
2020s	$1.30–$2.20+	COVID-19, war in Ukraine, and inflation drove prices up.

These are ballpark figures, but they paint a clear picture of how fuel costs have evolved alongside global events, tech advances, and economic shifts.

Buckle up—we’re cruising down memory lane with a full tank of fuel and decades of petrol price drama in the rearview mirror!

We already saw the broad strokes, but here’s a more vivid look at what was going on in each era:

1970s: The Age of Oil Shock​

• Petrol averaged $0.15–$0.20/L.
• The 1973 oil crisis sent prices soaring globally, as Middle Eastern oil producers limited supply during political conflict.

1980s: Volatility on the Rise​

• Prices rose to around $0.30–$0.50/L.
• Wars in the Middle East and new environmental regulations added pressure.

1990s: Steady Gains​

• Petrol crept up to $0.60–$0.80/L.
• The Aussie dollar fluctuated a lot, affecting import costs.

2000s: Shockwaves and Spikes​

• Hit $0.90–$1.40/L.
• The 2008 global financial crisis caused massive volatility. Oil briefly hit all-time highs.

2010s: The Global Market Game​

• Averages hovered between $1.20–$1.50/L.
• Worldwide shifts in oil production (like the U.S. shale boom) and price wars shaped the market.

2020s: Chaos and Climbing Costs​

• Prices soared to $2.00+ in some years.
• COVID-19 lockdowns dropped demand, then came roaring back. Supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine sent prices into overdrive.

As of today, the average price of unleaded petrol (91 RON) in Australia is hovering around $1.62 per litre, but it varies quite a bit depending on where you are:

• Melbourne: $1.82
• Sydney: $1.83
• Brisbane: $1.68
• Perth: $1.64
• Adelaide: $1.76
• Darwin: $1.76
• Canberra: $1.75
• Hobart: $1.722

There’s also a storm brewing on the horizon—analysts are warning that prices could spike to $2.20 per litre if global oil tensions escalate, especially due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

So, from 15 cents a litre in the '70s to possibly over $2 today... that’s quite the journey.