How Far Are Australians Willing to Go for a Fuel Discount? The Surprising Truth About Our Fuel Buying Habits

Australians are known for their love of a good deal, and it seems that mentality extends right to the petrol pump. Whether it’s a five-cent discount or a larger saving, local motorists are showing just how far they’re willing to drive to save on fuel. A recent survey by CarExpert uncovered some surprising insights into Australians’ fuel-buying habits – and it’s clear that cost is the top priority for many.

How Far Would You Drive for a Discount on Fuel?

The survey of 1,424 CarExpert readers revealed some interesting statistics about how far Australian motorists are willing to travel for a cheaper price at the pump. While 53% of respondents said they wouldn't travel any distance to save just 5c/L on fuel, a significant portion – 39% – would travel 5-10 kilometres for a modest discount.

But it’s when the savings get bigger that Australians are willing to put more kilometres on the odometer. Here's a breakdown of the results:

• 10c/L discount: A significant 54% of respondents would drive 5-10km for this saving.
• 15c/L discount: Even more, 53%, are willing to travel the same distance for a bigger discount.
• 20c/L discount: About 46% are willing to travel up to 10-20km to save 20c per litre.
• 40c/L discount: This is where things get even more interesting, with 35% willing to drive 5-10km, and 25% willing to travel over 20km for such a large saving.

Interestingly, while fewer respondents are willing to travel the same distance for larger discounts like 20c/L or 40c/L, the number of people willing to drive further increases as the discount grows. The savings seem to have a more significant influence on the decision to travel longer distances, suggesting that the bigger the deal, the more motivated people are to hunt it down.

The Top Priority: Fuel Costs Over Brand Loyalty

What’s clear from the survey is that cost is a bigger factor for most Australian motorists than brand loyalty. Of the 4,009 respondents surveyed, 69% said they have no particular preference for a specific fuel brand, implying that when it comes to filling up, price trumps everything else. This is further supported by the results of a survey question about the likelihood of shopping around for the best price:

• 42% of respondents said they were highly likely to shop around for the best price.
• The average score for how likely Australians are to search for cheaper fuel was 3.7 out of 5.

Clearly, Australians are not afraid to shop around, especially if it means saving a few extra dollars at the pump.

Do Premium Fuels Live Up to the Hype?

While many Australians are more than happy to chase discounts and shop for the best price, there’s also a segment of the population that believes premium fuels offer significant advantages over regular petrol. According to the survey, 51% of respondents believe that premium fuels are significantly better than standard options, citing improved performance and efficiency.

However, there is some skepticism: 19% of respondents believe that premium fuels are just the same as regular petrol, while 30% think they are only marginally better. It seems that while premium fuels may offer some benefits, not everyone is convinced that the extra cost is always worth it.

Takeaways: Saving Money Is a Top Priority

Australians’ fuel-buying habits highlight a clear trend: saving money is paramount. Whether it’s driving a few extra kilometres to score a discount or shopping around for the best deal, Australians are showing they’re willing to do what it takes to fill up for less.

For fuel marketers, this survey proves that price is king. With a large percentage of the population willing to drive significant distances for even a modest discount, the opportunity to capture the attention of budget-conscious drivers is there – especially if they offer savings on a larger scale.

If you're a motorist looking to stretch your dollars further, it seems that hunting for a better deal could be just as important as choosing where to fuel up. With savings of up to 40c/L, it’s clear that Aussies will go the extra mile—literally—to save a buck.

So, the next time you’re heading to the pump, think twice: is it worth driving a few extra kilometres to save more? If you’re among the many Australians who answered yes, then the hunt for a fuel deal is likely to continue for years to come.