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Fuel guide · Australia

Premium Unleaded Explained: 95 vs 98, When It Is Worth It & Melbourne Prices

Premium unleaded (PUL) refers to higher-octane petrol — commonly 95 RON and 98 RON in Australia — sold above regular ULP 91. Manufacturers specify minimum octane for some turbo, high-compression, and performance engines; using the wrong grade can cause knock or reduced performance.

Premium does not automatically mean cleaner or faster for every car. If your manual says ULP 91 is acceptable, paying for 98 RON rarely returns measurable economy gains. Where premium is required, compare 95 and 98 prices on the day — spreads between grades and brands change with the Melbourne retail cycle.

Use live suburb premium boards and the fuel-types hub to see which stations list P95/P98 near you before you detour for a few cents per litre.

What is premium unleaded?

Premium unleaded is petrol with a higher Research Octane Number (RON) than regular ULP 91. In Victoria you typically see 95 RON and 98 RON at the bowser, sometimes labelled PUL or premium.

Octane rating measures resistance to knock under compression. High-performance and turbo engines often need higher octane so the engine computer can run optimal timing without damaging knock.

95 vs 98 RON

98 RON is not automatically better for every premium-labelled car. Check your fuel flap: if it says Min 95, 98 is optional unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.

When both grades are approved, compare prices on the day. A large 98 premium over 95 may not deliver proportional benefit for daily commuting.

When premium is required

Follow the minimum octane in your owner manual or on the fuel flap. Turbocharged, high-compression, and some European imports specify 95 or 98 RON.

Using ULP 91 in a premium-required engine can trigger knock sensors to pull timing, reducing power and potentially causing long-term wear. Do not downgrade below the specified minimum.

Melbourne premium prices

Premium grades move with the same retail cycle as ULP 91 but spreads widen and narrow independently. Compare suburb premium fuel pages to see cheapest P95/P98 near you.

Brand competition matters: some stations discount premium to attract loyalty customers while keeping ULP higher, or vice versa during cycle phases.

Frequently asked questions

Is premium petrol worth it if my car says 91 is OK?
Usually no. If the manufacturer allows ULP 91, higher octane rarely improves economy enough to justify the price gap. Follow the minimum grade on your fuel flap.
What is the difference between 95 and 98 RON?
Both are premium grades with higher octane than ULP 91. Some vehicles require 98; others allow 95. Use the minimum specified — paying for 98 when 95 is approved does not typically help.
Why is premium more expensive than ULP 91?
Higher refining specs, lower volume, and brand positioning all contribute. During cycle lows the gap can narrow; during resets premium often jumps with ULP.