For those of us who haven’t transitioned to the ‘other side’ and drive internal combustion petrol-powered cars, here are two apps that can help you save money on petrol.
In our personal experience, we have found big differences of up to 20 cents per litre between servos in close proximity to one another—that’s an easy $10-$15 savings simply for driving a little further up the road.
1) Fuel Check (NSW/ACT only) - run by the NSW Government, this app has a simple interface that displays pricing trends, a trip planner, and prices near your location. The trip planner allows you to find the cheapest petrol at locations between your journeys. Prices near your location are based on your phone location (if enabled) or a location you manually enter. The app can then navigate to the petrol station of your choice via Google or Apple Maps. You can also select the fuel type and petrol company brand.
2) Petrol Spy - Petrol Spy is similar in functionality to Fuel Check but has pricing information across Australia. The main difference with Petrol Spy is that you can set up an account and submit pricing information via the app. By doing so, you earn points that determine your eligibility to enter into a $25 fuel card draw. Petrol Spy also displays Google Ads at the bottom of the screen.
Petrol prices move up and down in regular patterns. If you would like to read more and see a graphical representation of your location on the pricing cycle the ACCC tracks fuel prices across the capital cities. The information can be accessed here: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/petrol-and-fuel .
Lastly, to eke out another few dollars in savings, remember to utilise any rewards card discounts (Coles/Woolies) or membership discounts, including NRMA, 7-Eleven Fuel Price Lock, credit card benefits, the Toyota app, and the Hyundai app.
Happy motoring!
[cover photo by @enginakyurt]