Timing matters when it comes to fuel prices. The difference between filling up on the right day versus the wrong day can be 15-25 cents per litre – that’s $7.50 to $12.50 on a 50L tank. Here’s when to fill up for the best prices in Queensland.
The Best Days to Buy Fuel
Based on price data across Queensland, here’s how each day of the week typically ranks for fuel prices:
Best Days: Tuesday & Wednesday
Mid-week consistently offers the lowest prices. Stations have been competing for several days, driving prices down. If you can only fill up once a week, make it Tuesday or Wednesday.
Why These Days?
Queensland fuel prices follow a predictable cycle that affects which days are cheapest:
- Thursday/Friday – Stations often spike prices before the weekend when more people are driving and less price-conscious
- Saturday – Prices remain high from the spike
- Sunday – Prices begin declining as competition kicks in
- Monday – Decline continues but may not have reached the lowest point
- Tuesday/Wednesday – Prices typically bottom out mid-week
Important Caveat
These are general patterns, not guarantees. The fuel cycle doesn’t follow a strict weekly pattern – it runs roughly 30-50 days. Always check current prices before filling up.
Best Time of Day to Buy Fuel
Does the time of day matter? Here’s what we’ve found:
| Time | Price Trend | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (6-9am) | Stable | Good time – prices from overnight |
| Mid-Morning (9am-12pm) | May increase | Price changes often happen around 10am |
| Afternoon (12-5pm) | Stable after changes | Fine if prices haven’t spiked |
| Evening (5-9pm) | Stable | Good time – prices set for the day |
| Late Night (9pm+) | Stable | Same as evening prices |
The honest truth? Time of day matters far less than the day itself and where you are in the price cycle. A Tuesday at 3pm will almost always beat a Friday at 6am.
Regional Timing Differences
Timing patterns vary slightly across Queensland:
Brisbane Metro
Follows the cycle most predictably. High competition means prices drop quickly after a spike. Tuesday/Wednesday are reliably the best days.
Gold Coast
Similar to Brisbane but spikes may happen a day later. Tourist areas (Surfers, Broadbeach) stay higher regardless of day. Shop inland.
Sunshine Coast
Follows Brisbane with a slight delay. Coastal stations charge premiums. Nambour and inland suburbs offer better deals any day.
Regional QLD
Less pronounced day-to-day variation. Prices are higher overall but more stable. Focus on finding the cheapest station rather than timing.
The Cycle Matters More Than The Day
Here’s the key insight: the fuel price cycle matters more than the day of the week.
A Tuesday at the peak of the cycle (just after a spike) will be more expensive than a Saturday at the bottom of the cycle. The weekly patterns we’ve described work best when you’re already in the declining phase of the cycle.
Pro Tip
Check Fuel Daddy regularly. When you see prices starting to climb after being low for a while, that’s your signal to fill up immediately – even if it’s not Tuesday.
Your Timing Strategy
The Smart Fill-Up Strategy
- Monitor prices for a few days – Use Fuel Daddy to watch whether prices are rising, falling, or stable
- When prices are low and stable – Fill up your tank completely, regardless of day
- When prices just spiked – Wait a few days if you can. Prices will come down
- If you must fill up – Tuesday and Wednesday are your best bets for slightly lower prices
- Stack with discounts – Use your discount dockets when prices are already low for maximum savings
How Much Can You Save?
Let’s look at realistic savings from timing your fill-ups:
- Filling up Tuesday vs Friday: 5-15¢/L savings = $2.50-$7.50 per 50L tank
- Filling up at cycle bottom vs peak: 15-25¢/L savings = $7.50-$12.50 per 50L tank
- Combined with discount dockets: Additional 4-10¢/L = $2-$5 more savings
Over a year with weekly fill-ups, good timing could save you $300-$500. Use our fuel calculators to work out your personal savings.
When Timing Doesn’t Matter
Be practical. Don’t drive 20km to save 3 cents per litre – you’ll spend more on fuel getting there. And don’t run your tank to empty waiting for prices to drop. Sometimes the best strategy is to fill up at a reasonably-priced nearby station.
Timing matters most when:
- You have flexibility in when you fill up
- You’re doing a large fill (40L+)
- There’s a significant price difference (10¢+ per litre)
Key Takeaways
- Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the cheapest days to buy fuel
- Avoid Thursday and Friday when price spikes commonly occur
- Time of day matters less than which day you choose
- The overall price cycle matters more than weekly patterns
- Always check live prices before filling up – patterns aren’t guarantees
- Combine good timing with discount dockets for maximum savings
