Fuel prices are set to rise. Here’s how your business can prepare
Australian businesses are once again bracing for a likely increase in fuel costs as local and global events take effect. The unpredictability of the Middle East conflict has renewed concerns about global oil supply, following several months of volatility. While the market responded positively to news of a framework deal to end the war announced on 15 June 2026, it follows […]
Australian businesses are once again bracing for a likely increase in fuel costs as local and global events take effect.
The unpredictability of the Middle East conflict has renewed concerns about global oil supply, following several months of volatility. While the market responded positively to news of a framework deal to end the war announced on 15 June 2026, it follows months of escalated prices.
Commentators cited by the BBC also suggested that the lack of detail in the framework would “likely inject unease and uncertainty into the market”, at least for a period.
While it’s too early to predict the full impact on Australian fuel prices, market analysts have previously warned that ongoing geopolitical instability could place further upward pressure on prices in the weeks ahead.
To add to the volatility, the Australian Federal Government’s temporary fuel excise reduction is expected to end on 30 June 2026.
Experts cited by the ABC said motorists and businesses could see prices rise once the excise returns to its normal rate.
According to recent (June 9, 2026) fuel market data from the Australian Institute of Petroleum, regular unleaded petrol is averaging around $1.80 per litre nationally, while diesel prices remain above $2.10 per litre across Australia.
In relation to the end of the fuel excise reduction, The Sydney Morning Herald quoted National Roads and Motorists Association spokesman Peter Khoury. He said that based on current pricing trends it was unlikely that fuel prices would return to the record highs seen in March. At that time, petrol was selling for more than $2.50 per litre and diesel more than $3.
For businesses that rely on vehicles every day, any increases will strain already over-stretched budgets.
What could this mean for businesses?
Fuel is one of those costs that businesses can’t easily avoid. Whether you manage a handful of vehicles or an entire fleet, higher pump prices can place additional pressure on operating costs.
The good news is that there are still ways to help manage fuel spend, regardless of how fuel markets move in the coming months.
Why now is a good time to review your fuel management strategy
With the end of the temporary excise relief approaching and global conflicts seemingly escalating, many businesses are looking for ways to offset rising operating costs. FleetCard can help.
For a limited time, new FleetCard customers can take advantage of our End of Financial Year offer.
Take up the offer before 11:59pm AEST, 30 June 2026 and get up to $500 cash back*.
PLUS enjoy fuel discounts for your first 6 months:
- 6 cents per litre at Shell*
- 6 cents per litre at Reddy Express*
- 3 cents per litre at Ampol Foodary*
- 3 cents per litre at 7-Eleven*
- 3 cents per litre at EG*
With low card fees of $2.99 per card per month** for the first 6 months from the date of account opening, no lock-in contracts and no sign-up fee.
Click here to take up the offer.
Three practical ways to manage rising fuel costs
Utilise fuel cards for complete spending control
1.Fuel cards could revolutionise how you manage your fleet’s expenses. They offer comprehensive control thanks to customisable spending limits and features that help keep drivers within budget. Plus, you can say goodbye to the hassle of collecting receipts and paperwork.
Centralised reporting means you can easily track where and how much your fleet is spending, painting a detailed picture of any unusual spending patterns. By integrating fuel card data with your fleet management system, you can keep a close eye on consumption trends and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Why not check out our Fuel Savings Calculator to compare fuel cards and optimise your fleet’s spending?
2. Gain better visibility over fuel spend
Understanding where your money is going is a critical step towards controlling costs. FleetCard’s consolidated reporting and account management tools make it easier to monitor transactions, track spending patterns and manage fuel expenses across your business.
For example, FleetCard’s integration with Xero helps streamline reconciliation and BAS preparation, potentially saving time and money for your business.
In addition, FleetCard helps you manage your fleet through a connected platform that brings together sophisticated data and reporting. Access real-time reporting to track transactions, monitor driver behaviour, set spend limits and control fuel types used by your fleet. Our Telmatics partners can help provide even deeper insights to help track fuel efficiency and other key metrics over time.
3. Reduce unnecessary fuel use with smarter route planning
Understanding where and how fuel is being used can help identify opportunities to improve efficiency and manage costs more effectively.
Mapping out your routes is a quick and easy way to lower fuel consumption. By optimising how your fleet travels from point A to point B, you can minimise all that unnecessary mileage and make significant savings on fuel costs.
Additionally, utilising a broad network of fuel stations helps your drivers steer clear of pricey refuelling spots. Encouraging drivers to plan their refuelling stops and coordinate trips not only saves fuel, but also cuts down on downtime. Even minor adjustments to your routing and refuelling strategies can be enough to save over time, especially during peak fuel price periods.
Visit our FleetCard Site Locator to download the app or search by your current location or postcode to find the closest partner fuel and non-fuel location.
Get in touch today!
As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, having the right fuel card in place can help businesses stay in control and keep moving.
FleetCard helps Australian businesses manage fuel and fleet expenses with fuel discounts, reporting tools and access to one of Australia’s largest fuel and vehicle services networks. To learn more, contact FleetCard to chat to our team.
Important information
New FleetCard customers only. Minimum 1,350 eligible litres required within the first 90 days from account opening. Cashback is calculated at 10c per eligible litre and capped at 5,000 eligible litres, up to a maximum of $500 per account. Maximum 100 eligible litres per transaction applies. Cashback paid as an account credit to your FleetCard account by the end of month 5. T&Cs apply.
Full T&C of the offer
#Offer is available to new FleetCard customers only for eligible FleetCard accounts opened between 2 June 2026 and 11:59pm AEST 30 June 2026. Eligible customers may receive up to $500 cashback, paid as an account credit, per eligible account, calculated at 10 cents per eligible litre on eligible petrol and diesel purchases made within the first 90 days from the date the account is opened. To qualify for the cashback component, the eligible FleetCard account must be used to purchase a minimum of 1,350 eligible litres of petrol or diesel during the 90-day qualification period. Cashback is capped at a maximum of 5,000 eligible litres per account, equivalent to a maximum cashback value of $500 per account. For the purpose of calculating eligible litres and cashback under this offer, a maximum of 100 litres per transaction will be counted. Any litres purchased in excess of 100 litres in a single transaction will not count towards the minimum qualifying volume, the cashback calculation or the 5,000 litre cap. Cashback will be assessed after the 90-day qualification period and applied as a credit to the customer’s FleetCard account by the end of the fifth month after the account opening date. The cashback credit will be used to offset future charges on that account, it is not transferable and no cash alternative is available. The FleetCard account must remain active, in good standing and compliant with payment obligations at the time cashback is assessed and applied. FleetCard may exclude transactions that are reversed, refunded, fraudulent, invalid or reasonably considered to have been split or structured to avoid the 100 litre per transaction limit. Full terms and conditions apply.
*The fuel discounts and card fees are for a maximum period of 6 months from date of account opening, providing that you maintain an average or better relative credit risk level, as determined by our credit bureau and you comply with our terms. For the avoidance of doubt, the fuel discounting component of this offer is separate from the cashback offering and does not constitute, include or otherwise affect any cashback available under this offer. The cashback offering is governed solely by the cashback eligibility criteria, calculation methodology, qualification period, timing and account credit terms set out in these offer terms. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions and Fee Schedule. We reserve the right, subject to 30 days’ notice in writing, to amend discounts if the relevant supplier materially changes its commercial fuel supply terms with Business Fuel Cards. Offer does not include LPG or Adblue. Per litre discounts are off pump price, and are GST inclusive.
**Card and transaction fees are GST exclusive
