Australians are voicing anger as petrol prices surge across the country בעקבות escalating conflict in the Middle East, with some service stations lifting prices by as much as 45 cents per litre within days. Drivers in major cities report paying more than $2.40 per litre for regular unleaded, while premium fuels in some المناطق have climbed close to $3.00 per litre, sharply increasing the cost of filling a standard family vehicle.

Motorists say the spike is already straining household budgets, with some paying up to $40 more per tank than usual. Mechanics and industry observers warn that if prices reach $3.00 per litre nationwide, filling a typical 60 litre tank could cost around $180. Many are urging families to limit unnecessary trips and ensure vehicles are well maintained to reduce fuel consumption.

The surge is being driven by disruptions to global oil supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for roughly one fifth of the world’s oil trade. Australia imports about 90 per cent of its liquid fuel, leaving local prices highly exposed to international supply shocks. Analysts caution that prices could rise by a further 40 cents per litre in coming weeks if tensions persist.

Government officials have called for close monitoring of fuel retailers amid concerns some may be exploiting public anxiety. Financial modelling suggests that prolonged disruption to oil flows could push global crude prices significantly higher, further increasing costs at the pump for Australian drivers.