The looming Easter long weekend is shaping up to be a costly affair for many Australians, with soaring global oil prices set to significantly impact travel plans. As the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt supply chains, both petrol and jet fuel have seen dramatic price hikes, forcing many to reconsider their holiday choices.
For those planning an Easter road trip, the reality at the petrol pump is stark. Prices for E10 fuel have now surpassed $2.20 per litre, while diesel is fetching over $2.60 per litre. This represents a substantial increase compared to last year, when petrol averaged just under $1.85 per litre in April.
The ripple effect of these fuel price surges is also being felt keenly in the aviation sector. Domestic airfares across Australia are climbing, driven by the escalating cost of jet fuel. Travellers looking to fly between Sydney and Melbourne, a notoriously busy route, can expect to fork out between $400 and $500 for return economy flights during the peak Easter period, even with major carriers like Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin.
The Road Less Travelled: A Shift Towards Road Trips?
Ben Whitmore, Chief Marketing Officer at East Coast Car Rentals, suggests that these elevated airfares might be a catalyst for a resurgence in road-based holidays. “A lot of people have pre-booked their Easter travel and flights. If they have, they’re lucky,” he commented. “If they haven’t, they’ll probably be paying a premium. The demand [for rental cars] is still coming in pretty fast. It may come in even faster if people are opting for that self-drive holiday rather than flying.”
However, even the appeal of a classic Aussie road trip is now tempered by the increased cost of fuel. Whitmore estimates that a single tank of fuel is likely to be around $25 more expensive than it was prior to the current global conflict. For travellers planning multiple refuels, this could add an extra $50 to the overall cost of their holiday.
“Diesel seems to be affected the most, which for our industry and rental cars, we don’t have a great deal of diesels on fleet,” Whitmore noted. “Where it will probably count the most is in some of the regional areas. If people are having Easter road trips out to more regional areas, I think the prices will be higher.”
Regional Tourism on Edge
The prospect of fuel shortages and exorbitant prices is casting a shadow over regional tourism operators, who fear significant revenue losses during what is typically a bustling period. Daniel Hunter, Chief Executive of Business NSW, highlighted concerns voiced by operators on the ground.
“A regional tourist park operator told us they are starting to see cancellations and hesitation from visitors worried they will not be able to refuel,” Hunter stated. “That is lost revenue for regional communities that depend on tourism. It’s important that our holiday plans continue to sustain our visitor economies, particularly in the lead up to the Easter long weekend.”
Hybrid Hope: The Savvy Traveller’s Choice
Amidst these challenges, hybrid vehicles are emerging as a potential solution for cost-conscious travellers. Sales of hybrid cars have seen a notable increase, with nearly 200,000 units sold in 2025.
Whitmore predicts that as Easter approaches, more astute travellers will actively seek out rental cars that are either fully electric or hybrid models. “If it were me, where possible, I’d probably be looking for a hybrid at the moment,” he advised. This trend suggests a growing awareness and demand for more fuel-efficient options as the cost of traditional fuel continues its upward trajectory. The upcoming Easter break may well see a noticeable shift towards more sustainable and economical travel choices.
