Canberra, November 11, 2025 – Cities with a stronger presence of small and medium-sized independent petrol retailers tend to record lower fuel prices, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s latest industry report.
The ACCC’s analysis of petrol market composition between July 2022 and June 2024 found that Brisbane and Canberra — where independents have a smaller footprint — posted the highest average retail prices for regular unleaded petrol. In contrast, prices were lower in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, where more independents compete alongside major chains.
Growing Market Share
Independent operators — including brands such as Speedway, Metro Petroleum, Freedom Fuels, Budget, Vibe, and Pearl Energy — accounted for around 26% of national petrol sales in 2023–24, up from 18% in 2017–18. The report noted that the independents’ presence is strongest in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, but more limited in Brisbane and Canberra.
Major brands such as Ampol, BP, Chevron/Caltex, United Petroleum, 7-Eleven, EG Group, Coles/Reddy Express, and On The Run together represented the remaining 74%.
“More competition leads to better outcomes for consumers, including lower prices,” said ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey. “Consumers can often find more competitive prices where there are a greater number of smaller independent retailers.”
Industry Structure
At the supply level, Ampol, bp, ExxonMobil and Viva Energy together accounted for roughly 88% of petrol refined or imported and 85% of wholesale sales nationwide in 2023–24. Australia’s domestic refining capacity continues to decline, with only Ampol and Viva Energy now operating refineries.
“The industry has undergone major changes in recent years,” Brakey said, citing refinery closures, acquisitions, and brand consolidations, but added that the core group of large suppliers remains stable.
Monitoring and Oversight
The findings form part of the ACCC’s ongoing quarterly monitoring of petroleum prices, costs, and profits, mandated by the Treasurer’s direction to continue market surveillance through 2025.
