Complete Guide to Fuel Types

Learn about all fuel types available in Melbourne. Find the right fuel for your vehicle and compare prices across all types.

Related Resources

→ Compare Fuel Brands → Fuel Type Guide → Find Stations by Fuel Type → Understanding Fuel Prices

Comprehensive Fuel Type Data

Our fuel type information comes from the official Fair Fuel Open Data API, ensuring you have access to accurate, up-to-date information about all available fuel types in Victoria.

Complete list of all 11 supported fuel types
Official fuel type codes and names
Price comparisons across all fuel types
Information about alternative and eco-friendly fuels

Fuel Planning Framework

Pair live Fair Fuel pricing with driving goals to keep every refill intentional. Start with the right octane, layer in timing insight, then save your favourite stations for quick reference on the go.

Review the complete fuel guide to match octane and additives with your vehicle.
Time fill-ups with the weekly price cycle breakdown for predictable savings.
Save shortlists inside the station directory so you always have a low-price backup nearby.

Commuter Mix

Blend U91 for city driving with occasional P95 top ups before long freeway days.

Learn more →

Family Travel

Plan school holiday trips with stations that stock LPG plus premium unleaded.

Learn more →

Performance Build

Track P98 and premium diesel trends so tuned vehicles never run low on supply.

Learn more →

Sustainability Path

Compare E10, E85, and biodiesel availability before committing to greener fuels.

Learn more →

Standard Fuels

• Unleaded 91 (U91) - Most common petrol
• Premium 95 (P95) - Higher octane unleaded
• Premium 98 (P98) - Highest octane unleaded
• Diesel (DSL) - Standard diesel fuel
• Premium Diesel (PDSL) - Enhanced diesel

Alternative Fuels

• E10 - 10% ethanol blend
• E85 - 85% ethanol blend
• B20 - 20% biodiesel blend
• LPG - Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• LNG/CNG - Natural gas options

Petrol vs diesel in Australia

Quick summary

Petrol (unleaded grades) powers typical spark-ignition cars. Diesel is a separate fuel for compression-ignition engines. Pump prices, litres per 100 km, and annual kilometres together determine fuel spend — not the fuel name alone.

Key takeaways

Always match fuel to the manufacturer label; misfuelling causes costly damage.
Diesel often lists at a higher cents-per-litre price than ULP 91; efficiency and annual distance decide whether you still buy fewer litres overall.
Melbourne listings on this site come from Victorian retail price reporting — compare grades on the directory, then confirm on the bowser.

Best for

Readers who want plain-language definitions, then live Melbourne prices by grade — especially households running both a petrol car and a diesel ute or van.

Not ideal for

Guessing octane or ethanol suitability from internet forums instead of the vehicle handbook, or using pump averages as mechanical advice.

Definitions

Petrol (unleaded family): Spark-ignition road fuels sold as 91, 95, or 98 RON unleaded (and ethanol blends such as E10) — choose the grade your vehicle is built for.
Diesel: Fuel for diesel engines only; chemistry and combustion differ from petrol. Use diesel grades and additives as your manufacturer specifies.

At-a-glance comparison

High-level comparison of petrol and diesel road fuels
Topic	Petrol (ULP / premium)	Diesel
Engine type	Spark ignition	Compression ignition
Typical purchase lens	Octane rating on label	Diesel only tanks
Price driver (simplified)	Cycle + brand competition	Wholesale + retail spread, demand

Bottom line

Pick the grade your vehicle requires, then compete on total litres × honest L/100 km × price per litre — our tools and guides help with the last two once the label question is settled.

Deep dives and authority cluster

Start with the hub, then follow topics in order when you want price spreads, reliability, or environment trade-offs.

Open the diesel vs petrol fuel calculator when you have kilometres, L/100 km, and two pump prices to compare.

Frequently asked questions

Is diesel better than petrol?

Neither fuel is universally "better" — engines are designed for one or the other. Compare running costs with real efficiency and pump prices, not slogans.

Can I use E10 instead of unleaded?

Only if your vehicle is approved for E10. Check the manufacturer label and state guidance; when unsure, use the fuel grade specified in the handbook.

Where do Melbourne fuel type averages come from?

Fair Fuel Open Data and retailer price reporting for Victoria, surfaced on this site alongside station-level listings.

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Compare Prices for Your Fuel Type

Find the best prices for your preferred fuel type across all Melbourne stations. Use our station directory to filter by fuel type and brand.

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