The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has warned motorists that the lengthy petrol price cycle, which previously led to significant price fluctuations across south-east Queensland, may be returning after several fuel retailers lifted unleaded petrol prices by up to 30 cents per litre over the past week.
According to the RACQ's latest quarterly fuel report, while the average price of regular unleaded petrol in Brisbane remained around 172.1 cents per litre, about 10 per cent of service stations had already increased prices to almost $2.00 per litre. RACQ economist Dr Ian Jeffreys said these sudden increases resemble the beginning of the traditional fuel price cycle that motorists had experienced for years.
Before early 2026, south-east Queensland typically experienced a six- to eight-week fuel cycle. During this period, petrol prices at individual service stations would jump by 50 to 60 cents per litre before gradually falling over several weeks. RACQ says the cycle largely disappeared earlier this year, resulting in lower average retail margins and more consistent fuel prices for consumers.
Dr Jeffreys believes some retailers are now attempting to reintroduce that pricing pattern by increasing prices at selected service stations to see whether competitors follow. If rival stations do not match the higher prices, retailers may reduce prices again to remain competitive. He described the pricing behaviour as unfair because many motorists end up paying significantly more unless they actively compare fuel prices.
The RACQ report found indicative retail margins for unleaded petrol averaged 10.5 cents per litre during the June quarter, compared with 21.2 cents per litre in the previous quarter. The organisation said these were the lowest retail margins recorded in south-east Queensland since 2019, benefiting consumers through lower and more stable prices.
Industry representatives disagree with RACQ's concerns. The Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA) said fuel price cycles are a normal feature of a competitive retail market. Chief executive Rowan Lee argued that stations raising prices too aggressively risk losing customers because motorists can easily compare prices using fuel price apps and choose cheaper alternatives nearby.
The debate comes as motorists continue dealing with broader fuel cost pressures. The federal government's temporary fuel excise reduction has been gradually phased out, adding upward pressure to petrol prices nationwide. RACQ says this makes transparent and competitive pricing even more important for Queensland drivers.
RACQ has renewed calls for Queensland to introduce legislation limiting daily petrol price increases, similar to proposals previously discussed by the state government. The organisation believes capping price rises at 5 cents per litre per day would prevent extreme price spikes and encourage healthier competition between retailers.
Motorists are being encouraged to monitor fuel prices regularly, use comparison apps and fill up before major price increases occur. RACQ says informed consumers remain the most effective defence against sudden price hikes while discussions continue over possible regulatory reforms.
