Petrol spending exposed: Aussies shell out $3,200 yearly
By
Seia Ibanez
- Replies 12
Driving is a cherished form of independence, especially when our calendars remain full of family engagements, catch-ups with friends, and road trips around the country.
But drivers, brace yourselves! The amount you're spending on petrol each year might be more than you think.
According to recent research from Compare the Market, the average driver spends just under $62 weekly on fuel, which adds up to a staggering $3200 annually.
When looking at the demographic, the research revealed that Millennials are the biggest spenders, with their weekly fill-up costing about $78.
Baby boomers, on the other hand, are spending the least each week at about $38.
Generation Z and Generation X are not far behind Millennials, paying about $72 and $71 per week on petrol, respectively.
Chris Ford from Compare the Market pointed out that it's often the small habits that can make a significant difference.
‘Households across Australia are continuing to feel the pinch,’ he said.
‘Inflation is cooling, but that doesn’t mean things are cheaper–they just aren’t increasing as fast as they were a year ago.’
'Fuel is one of our core grudge payments each week. It's something that most of us need to get to and from work, get the kids to school or go grocery shopping for the week, so we often just need to bear and grin it no matter what the price is.’
However, Ford suggested using a petrol price comparison app that could alert drivers to cheaper options nearby rather than sticking with the same service station every time and simply absorbing the cost.
'I know one case personally where a colleague saved $291 in a year on fuel just by checking prices nearby rather than just rolling up to the closest servo,' he said.
‘That’s a big weekly grocery shop or perhaps a couple of good family outings.’
The COVID-19 pandemic also had a significant impact on driving habits.
While people have begun to drive more, the research revealed that more than three in five Aussies were changing their driving habits due to the rising cost of petrol.
'We've seen people cut back on their daily driving habits, but one possible reason we could be seeing this creep in the number of annual kilometres driven is that more people are going on road trips instead of heading overseas for their holiday,' Ford said.
Ford suggested a quick road trip up or down the coast, stopping at camping grounds might be the perfect solution to a much-needed break that won't break the bank.
‘However, no matter if you’re dropping off the kids or taking some time off while experiencing one of Australia’s many wonders, it always pays to compare how much you’re paying at the bowser,’ he said.
Ford shared these top tips for reducing petrol costs:
1. Compare prices: Use a petrol price comparison app to find the cheapest petrol stations nearby.
2. Use public transport: If possible, consider using public transport for your daily commute.
3. Maintain your car: Regular maintenance can improve your car's fuel efficiency.
The government announced the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) to revolutionise the automotive landscape.
While these standards focus on reducing emissions and promoting fuel efficiency, this could potentially hit the wallets of ute and SUV owners hard. You can read more about the story here.
Have you found other ways to save on petrol costs? Share your tips in the comments below!
But drivers, brace yourselves! The amount you're spending on petrol each year might be more than you think.
According to recent research from Compare the Market, the average driver spends just under $62 weekly on fuel, which adds up to a staggering $3200 annually.
When looking at the demographic, the research revealed that Millennials are the biggest spenders, with their weekly fill-up costing about $78.
Baby boomers, on the other hand, are spending the least each week at about $38.
Generation Z and Generation X are not far behind Millennials, paying about $72 and $71 per week on petrol, respectively.
Chris Ford from Compare the Market pointed out that it's often the small habits that can make a significant difference.
‘Households across Australia are continuing to feel the pinch,’ he said.
‘Inflation is cooling, but that doesn’t mean things are cheaper–they just aren’t increasing as fast as they were a year ago.’
'Fuel is one of our core grudge payments each week. It's something that most of us need to get to and from work, get the kids to school or go grocery shopping for the week, so we often just need to bear and grin it no matter what the price is.’
However, Ford suggested using a petrol price comparison app that could alert drivers to cheaper options nearby rather than sticking with the same service station every time and simply absorbing the cost.
'I know one case personally where a colleague saved $291 in a year on fuel just by checking prices nearby rather than just rolling up to the closest servo,' he said.
‘That’s a big weekly grocery shop or perhaps a couple of good family outings.’
The COVID-19 pandemic also had a significant impact on driving habits.
While people have begun to drive more, the research revealed that more than three in five Aussies were changing their driving habits due to the rising cost of petrol.
'We've seen people cut back on their daily driving habits, but one possible reason we could be seeing this creep in the number of annual kilometres driven is that more people are going on road trips instead of heading overseas for their holiday,' Ford said.
Ford suggested a quick road trip up or down the coast, stopping at camping grounds might be the perfect solution to a much-needed break that won't break the bank.
‘However, no matter if you’re dropping off the kids or taking some time off while experiencing one of Australia’s many wonders, it always pays to compare how much you’re paying at the bowser,’ he said.
Tip
Ford shared these top tips for reducing petrol costs:
1. Compare prices: Use a petrol price comparison app to find the cheapest petrol stations nearby.
2. Use public transport: If possible, consider using public transport for your daily commute.
3. Maintain your car: Regular maintenance can improve your car's fuel efficiency.
The government announced the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) to revolutionise the automotive landscape.
While these standards focus on reducing emissions and promoting fuel efficiency, this could potentially hit the wallets of ute and SUV owners hard. You can read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways
- Australian drivers, on average, spend nearly $62 each week on petrol, which amounts to over $3200 annually.
- Millennials were found to be the biggest spenders on fuel, with an average weekly cost of $78, whereas Baby Boomers spend the least at approximately $38 per week.
- Using a petrol price comparison app can help drivers save significant amounts by finding cheaper fuel options nearby.
- Due to the rising cost of petrol, more than three in five Australians are altering their driving habits, with some opting for local road trips instead of overseas holidays to save on costs.