Petrol prices have been on a rollercoaster in Australia this year. The federal fuel excise was halved in April as cost-of-living relief, partially restored on 1 July, then extended again with a smaller 16c/L discount through August. Add in global supply pressure from Middle East tensions, and most drivers genuinely don't know what they're paying per litre from one month to the next.
One thing hasn't changed though: a bike commute costs close to nothing. Plug in your own numbers below and see exactly what swapping some (or all) of your driving days for bike days could save you this year.
🚲 Your Commute Savings Calculator
Your Estimated Savings
Why Petrol Prices Are So Unpredictable Right Now
Australia's fuel excise — the flat tax added to every litre of petrol and diesel — was cut in half in April 2026 as a cost-of-living measure, saving drivers real money at the bowser. That relief was meant to end on 30 June, but the government extended it into July and August at a reduced 16 cents per litre discount. Layer on top of that ongoing volatility from Middle East supply disruptions, and it's no surprise petrol prices have swung from lows to genuine cost-of-living pain points within the same year.
The upshot: whatever number you plug into the calculator above today might be different next month. That's exactly why we built it to use your own current price, not a number that goes stale in a few weeks.
What You Actually Save Beyond Fuel
The calculator above focuses on fuel and parking, but the real savings often run deeper: less wear on tyres and brakes, no rego and insurance creep tied to extra kilometres, and no early morning scramble for a parking spot near the office. None of that is a reason to sell the car — it's a reason to consider even two or three bike commutes a week.
What You Need to Start Commuting by Bike
You don't need a new bike to start saving — just a few sensible extras to make the ride safe, dry, secure, and practical for carrying your stuff.
Locking up somewhere out of sight for eight hours a day is a very different job to a quick coffee-shop stop — if you're commuting daily, it's worth reading our guide on why lock quality matters more than most riders realise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the average Australian spend on petrol commuting?
It depends heavily on distance, fuel efficiency and the current price per litre, which has moved a lot in 2026. A 20km round trip, 5 days a week, at 8L/100km and $1.80/L works out to roughly $750 a year on that commute alone.
Why are petrol prices changing so much in 2026?
The fuel excise was halved in April 2026, partially restored in July, then extended at a reduced discount through August — combined with global supply pressure from Middle East tensions.
Is cycling to work actually cheaper than driving?
For most commutes under 10km each way, yes — no fuel, no parking, and lower maintenance costs, though the exact saving depends on your situation.
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Ready to kit out your commute? Shop the full CyclistKit range — free shipping across Australia.