The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a report indicating that the presence of small-to-medium-sized independent petrol retailers contributes to lower petrol prices in various Australian cities. The report highlights that cities with a higher number of these retailers generally see more competitive pricing for regular unleaded petrol.

According to the ACCC, Brisbane and Canberra had the highest average retail prices for petrol from July 2022 to June 2024, attributed to a lower number of independent retailers. In contrast, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, which have a stronger presence of smaller independent retailers, reported lower average petrol prices.

The market share of independent petrol retailers has been increasing, accounting for approximately 26% of national retail petrol sales in 2023-24, up from 18% in 2017-18. This group includes brands such as Speedway, Metro Petroleum, and Freedom Fuels, among others.

Despite the growth of independent retailers, larger brands like Ampol, bp, and Chevron/Caltex still dominate the market, holding around 74% of national retail petrol sales. The ACCC's report underscores the importance of competition in the petrol market, encouraging consumers to utilize price comparison tools to find better deals.

The report also notes significant changes in the petroleum industry over the past eight years, including the closure of refineries and shifts in company branding. However, the major suppliers in the wholesale and supply sectors have remained relatively stable.