As petrol prices continue to climb amid global uncertainty, Australians are being urged to rethink how, and when, they fill up.
At a time when everyone is feeling the pinch, popular podcast She’s On The Money has revealed a series of simple ‘fuel hacks’ that could save drivers hundreds each year.
The advice comes as pressure mounts globally, with fuel supplies under strain due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – a crisis already sending shockwaves through Australia’s cost of living.
Founded by Victoria Devine, who is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading female money experts, the ‘She’s On The Money’ platform has built a loyal following by making finance feel accessible rather than intimidating.
Devine regularly shares wealth-building advice with an Instagram audience of almost 300,000, while also hosting a tri-weekly podcast where she breaks down everything from shares and ETFs to superannuation in a way the ‘average’ Australian can understand.
One of the biggest mistakes drivers make, according to their recent post, is filling up without checking prices beforehand.
Tools like Petrol Spy allow motorists to compare nearby fuel costs in real time, often revealing surprisingly large price differences between service stations just streets apart.
For Victorian drivers, the Servo Saver app goes one step further by predicting the next day’s prices, helping users avoid filling up during peak price spikes.
At a time when everyone is feeling the pinch, popular podcast She’s On The Money has revealed a series of simple ‘fuel hacks’ that could save drivers hundreds each year
She’s on The Money founder, Victoria Devine (pictured), who regularly shares wealth-building advice with an Instagram audience of almost 300,000, said one of the biggest mistakes drivers make is filling up without checking prices beforehand
‘Important to note: you can use both the 7-Eleven fuel lock and the NAB goodies offer at the same time,’ one person commented.
‘I got petrol for $2.10 last night instead of $2.54 thanks to both.’
‘Telstra app often has discounts for fuel at 7-Eleven. Unfortunately you can’t use it at the same time as fuel lock, but it still helps on other days,’ a second advised.
‘ShopBack has Ampol gift cards with six per cent off at the moment,’ a third wrote.
Timing, too, plays a more important role than many realise. In Western Australia, for instance, fuel pricing follows a predictable weekly cycle, with Tuesday typically offering the lowest prices before a sharp increase on Wednesday.
While patterns can vary across other states, similar fluctuations often occur, meaning drivers who pay attention to timing can consistently pay less at the pump.
There are also savings hiding in plain sight. Many Australians overlook the fuel discounts tied to their supermarket shops, with dockets and loyalty apps offering cents-per-litre reductions that can add up significantly over time.
Meanwhile, those with a Costco membership are increasingly checking warehouse fuel prices, with many reporting noticeably cheaper rates compared to traditional service stations.
Many Australians are also overlooking the fuel discounts tied to their supermarket shops, with dockets and loyalty apps offering cents-per-litre reductions that can add up significantly over time
Beyond where and when you fill up, how you drive can have a quiet but powerful impact on your fuel spend too.
The experts said maintaining proper tyre pressure helps maximise efficiency, while driving at a steady speed – particularly on highways – reduces unnecessary fuel burn.
Simple habits such as using cruise control, avoiding harsh braking and rapid acceleration, and even clearing excess weight from your boot can all contribute to lowering consumption over time.
The timing of these tips is no coincidence, especially with global supply chains under strain, Australians are already being encouraged to reduce fuel use where possible, including working from home and limiting unnecessary travel.
Industry leaders have also warned that rising fuel costs could soon flow through to supermarket shelves, with farmers flagging potential increases in food prices if the conflict continues.
Even the aviation sector is feeling the pressure, with airlines warning that higher jet fuel costs are likely to push airfares up even further.
For many Australians, the relentless rise in petrol prices can feel unavoidable, but these small, strategic changes can make a meaningful difference – and right now, every bit of saving could not be more important.
