Household budget concerns are on the rise due to high transport costs, with research showing a surge of over 10 percent in a year.
According to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), households in three capital cities are spending more than $500 (US$328.6) a week on transport. The average cost of driving a car and using public transport has jumped to $458 (US$301) per week nationwide.
The NRMA analysis ranks Australian capital cities by fuel price, revealing that the cost of petrol has increased in all states during 2024.
The latest Transport Affordability Index from the AAA indicates that household transport costs have risen by 10.5 percent in the year to June, nearly triple the consumer price index of 3.8 percent.
In capital cities, the average household transport cost has reached $491 (US$322.7) a week, with Melbourne ($568), Brisbane ($560), and Sydney ($539) topping the list.
Regional areas are also feeling the impact, with households paying an average of $421 (US$276.7) a week. Towns like Alice Springs, Geelong, and Bunbury are among the most expensive surveyed.
Car loan payments, fuel, and insurance costs are the biggest expenses for households, according to the AAA. Tolls and public transport also contribute to costs in capital cities.
Michael Bradley, the managing director of the AAA, emphasized the need for governments to consider these rising transport costs when creating policies, as they are putting a strain on household budgets.
The NRMA’s petrol price analysis revealed that Canberra and Brisbane had the highest average prices in 2024, followed by Sydney and Melbourne. Perth and Adelaide were the cheapest capitals for unleaded petrol.
Peter Khoury, spokesman for the NRMA, highlighted the impact of high fuel prices on family budgets and the Australian economy, calling for action to lower transport costs.
Recent fuel reform promises by Queensland Premier Steven Miles aim to address these concerns, including a daily cap on price rises and plans for state-owned petrol stations if Labor wins the October state election.
