Victoria’s newest fuel policy change aims to ease drivers’ daily fuel costs as global oil tensions push petrol prices higher. For the first time under the state’s Fair Fuel Plan, fuel prices will now be subject to strict daily limits and penalties for violations.
Policy Changes
From March 10, 2026, all fuel stations in Victoria must establish a maximum daily fuel price. Prices must remain fixed for 24 hours starting at 6 a.m.
Fuel retailers will determine their prices between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and upload them into the Servo Saver tool within the Service Victoria app. This allows drivers to view prices and plan fuel purchases for the entire day.
Stations may lower prices anytime during the day but cannot increase them until the next pricing period. If a retailer fails to update the price before the deadline, the previous price remains unchanged.
This change expands Phase 1 of the Fair Fuel Plan, which launched in October 2025 and introduced Australia’s first real-time fuel price reporting system. More than 265,000 Victorians have already used the Servo Saver comparison tool.
Large Penalties for Non-Compliance
Retailers who fail to comply with reporting rules will face financial penalties. The first breach can result in a $3,000 fine, while repeated violations may lead to penalties exceeding $24,000 if taken to court.
Fuel businesses must register with Service Victoria, which will maintain a record of all fuel-selling locations. Stations must update prices within 30 minutes of changes and ensure displayed prices match their official pricing boards.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will enforce compliance with competition laws to prevent unfair pricing practices.
Effects on Everyday Drivers
| City/Region | Typical Petrol Price (AUD/L) | Potential Annual Savings | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | $1.80 – $2.00 | Up to $333 | No midday price spikes |
| Regional Victoria | $1.90 – $2.10 | $200 – $300 | 24-hour price lock |
| Geelong | $1.85 – $2.05 | $250 average | Advance notice of prices |
| Ballarat | $1.88 – $2.08 | $220 – $320 | Price drops remain in place |
For families filling a 50-litre tank weekly, even small price stabilization can lead to meaningful savings over the year.
Government Response
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the policy as “real relief,” designed to eliminate the common strategy where petrol prices are cheap in the morning but surge later in the day.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos added that the policy promotes competition while ensuring petrol stations keep prices reasonable for consumers.
General Cost-of-Living Relief
Global factors such as geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have pushed Brent crude oil prices above $102 per barrel. The Victorian government hopes price caps will help families manage rising living costs.
The Servo Saver app will continue displaying daily fuel prices and future estimates, allowing drivers to compare stations and plan purchases more effectively.
Why It Matters Now
With fuel prices expected to remain volatile in 2026, the introduction of daily price caps across more than 1,500 fuel stations will provide drivers with greater transparency and predictable fuel costs.
FAQs
Q1 When do daily price caps apply?
Prices are fixed each day starting at 6 a.m. and remain unchanged for 24 hours.
Q2 What happens if a fuel station breaks the rules?
Retailers can face $3,000 fines for initial breaches and up to $24,000 if the case goes to court.
Q3 Can fuel prices decrease during the day?
Yes. Stations can lower prices anytime but cannot increase them until the next day’s pricing reset.
