How much can I save by comparing fuel prices?

In most Australian cities, the price difference between the cheapest and most expensive station can be 30-40 cents per litre on any given day. For a 50-litre tank, that's up to $20 saved on a single fill-up. Over a year, regular price comparison can save you $500 or more.

Does premium fuel save money in the long run?

Only if your car's manufacturer specifically recommends or requires it. Using premium fuel in a car designed for regular unleaded won't improve performance or fuel economy. You'll simply be paying more for no benefit. Check your owner's manual for the recommended octane rating.

Is it worth driving further for cheaper fuel?

As a rule of thumb, it's worth driving up to 5-10 minutes out of your way if the price difference is 10 cents per litre or more. For a 50-litre fill, that's a $5 saving. But driving 20 minutes across town to save 3 cents per litre will cost you more in fuel than you save.

10 Proven Ways to Save Money on Fuel

Fuel is one of the biggest recurring expenses for drivers. Whether you're commuting daily or road-tripping across the country, small changes in how you buy and use fuel can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings each year. Here are ten proven strategies to keep more money in your wallet.

1. Compare Prices Before You Fill Up

The single most effective way to save on fuel is to never fill up at the first station you see. Prices can vary by 30 cents per litre or more between stations in the same suburb. Use Benzio to compare prices across all stations near you before you head out. A two-minute check can save you $10-15 on a full tank.

2. Fill Up on the Cheapest Day of the Week

In many Australian cities, fuel prices follow a predictable weekly cycle. Prices tend to be lowest on Tuesday or Wednesday and peak on Thursday or Friday. In Sydney and Melbourne, this cycle can mean a difference of 15-20 cents per litre between the cheapest and most expensive days. Check our best time to buy fuel guide for more detail.

3. Use Fuel Price Alert Apps

Set up price alerts so you're notified when fuel drops below a certain threshold at stations near you. Benzio lets you track your favourite stations and get notified of price drops. This way you can fill up opportunistically when prices dip rather than waiting until your tank is empty and being forced to pay whatever the nearest station charges.

4. Drive Smoothly — Avoid Aggressive Acceleration

Aggressive driving — rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding — can increase fuel consumption by 15-30%. Accelerate gently, maintain a steady speed, and anticipate traffic flow to brake gradually. On the motorway, using cruise control helps maintain consistent speed and saves fuel. These habits alone can improve your fuel economy by 10-20%.

5. Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated

Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Tyres that are 20% below the recommended pressure can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month — the correct pressure is listed on a sticker inside the driver's door or in your owner's manual.

6. Remove Excess Weight from Your Car

Every extra 50 kg in your car increases fuel consumption by roughly 1-2%. Clear out the boot — remove roof racks when you're not using them, take out heavy items you don't need for the trip. Roof racks and cargo boxes are especially costly at highway speeds because they significantly increase aerodynamic drag.

7. Use the Right Fuel Type for Your Car

If your car is designed for Unleaded 91, filling up with 95 or 98 octane won't give you better performance or economy — it just costs more. Conversely, using a lower octane than recommended can reduce performance and potentially damage your engine. Check your owner's manual and stick with the recommended grade. For a full breakdown, read our fuel types explained guide.

8. Plan Your Route to Avoid Traffic

Stop-and-go traffic is a fuel killer. Idling in congestion can use up to 2 litres of fuel per hour. Plan your trips to avoid peak-hour traffic when possible, combine multiple errands into one trip, and use navigation apps to find the fastest route. A slightly longer route with free-flowing traffic often uses less fuel than a shorter route through heavy congestion.

9. Consider Fuel Loyalty Programs

Many fuel retailers offer loyalty cards that give you 4 cents per litre off, and supermarket fuel dockets can save you another 4-10 cents. These discounts stack up quickly — on a 50-litre fill-up, an 8 cent discount saves you $4. Over a year of weekly fill-ups, that's over $200. Just make sure the base price at the loyalty station is competitive; a 4 cent discount on the most expensive station in town still isn't a good deal.

10. Fill Up in Cheaper Suburbs and Regions

Fuel prices vary significantly between suburbs and regions. Stations near motorways, airports, and inner-city areas typically charge more. If your daily commute passes through different areas, note which ones consistently have lower prices. Use Benzio to compare prices across regions like NSW, Victoria, or London to find the cheapest areas near your regular routes.