To add insult to injury, grey nomads who have been forced to park up the caravans and motorhomes are now watching fuel prices plunge to their lowest levels in many years,
Putting petrol in the tank has long been one of the biggest expenses of taking the Big Lap and, in normal circumstances, long-term travellers would be doing cartwheels of joy as prices at the bowser drop below $1 a litre in some places.
However, as ‘grounded’ grey nomads wrestle with the reality of life not on the road, the message from ‘used-to-be travellers’ about cheap fuel is largely one of: ‘who cares?’
Of course, it is the sheer lack of demand for fuel from non-motoring motorists that has helped drive prices down in the first place. A dispute between important crude oil suppliers Russia and Saudi Arabia has also boosted reserves, with flow-on effects for drivers across the world.
“This is great news for Australian drivers but there is still a long way to go,” NRMA Spokesperson Peter Khoury said. “We have seen 20-year lows for oil prices and the wholesale price in Sydney is at a 16-year low of $0.82 a litre, so we think prices will continue to fall.”
However, stuck-at-home ‘traveller’ Cynthia Kay is not overly excited.
“It would have meant the world to me if we were still on the road as we travel on a tight budget,” she said. “But I can’t imagine I’ll be needing to fill up again for several months now … and you just watch the prices shoot up when the travel restrictions are finally lifted!”
Media reports says Adelaide is the home of the cheapest fuel with average unleaded prices now at 90.9 cents a litre, the lowest since 2012. Prices in Brisbane and Perth have also dropped below $1 a litre.
Despite the price drops in Australia’s biggest cities, grey nomads won’t be surprised to learn that the picture isn’t quite as rosy out in the regions.
While any imaginary traveller passing through South Australia’s Port Pirie could get unleaded petrol for less than $1, they would have to pay $1.23 in Darwin, $1.25 in Cairns, $1.39 in Alice Springs, and a whopping $1.43 in Karratha.
the average here in Canberra is 1.29.9 for diesel almost 25 cents a litre dearer than it was in Mogo
It’s quite infuriating a barrel of oil is so low yet price of fuel takes so long to come down. As soon as barrel price rises next day FUEL price rises. Takes months for it to come down
Petroleum companies are making a squillion
Doesn’t really worry me. When it is cheaper I will always fill up and if it is too expensive I just stay put until the cycle gets to to low point again. Market forces always at play. Once restrictions lift the price will shoot up for a while. In order to see this beautiful country I need to put fuel in the tank which is a cost I must manage. I haven’t bought fuel for about six weeks and probably will not buy any until June. Not complaining.
Enjoy the solitude.
$1.15 diesel in Maryborough ictoria.
Pomme.
Yes if you dont think the fuel companies are ripping us off, then your dreaming.Like ant said when it goes up ,it goes up immediately .The ACCC is just another toothless tiger.Stevo
What about diesel prices, they have not gone down as much as petrol.
It is cheaper to make and it should be about the same or less than the cheapest petrol. Watch the price escalate when this is over, it will take them 3 minutes to switch the pumps up.
Its just a coincidence that most of the emergency vehicles are diesel so the fuel companies can still rip someone off.
When are we going to kick up a stink because of the rip off price of diesel all the time not just now.
O another subject, DONT buy e10 as it is false economy, cars use more fuel and the price does not make it good value, apart from the fact if anybody with most earlier cars get damaged by this rubbish fuel.
the govt only mandates that a percentage of all fuel must be e10 is because of the kick backs they get form the manufactures on the guise of providing employment for a few locals where it is made.