Economics 29 Oct 2026

Australia's petrol is up 23.6% — food just 3.2%

Australian petrol prices are rising about 7.4 times faster than food prices.

Australia's annual CPI reached 4.3% in the year to September 2026, but price rises were far from even. Automotive fuel rose 23.6% and electricity 12.8% (largely as Commonwealth electricity rebates ended), versus 3.2% for food and 2.3% for communication.

• Automotive fuel +23.6%
• Electricity +12.8%
• Food +3.2%
• Headline CPI +4.3%

Annual change, year to September 2026 (original series). 7.4× = 23.6% ÷ 3.2%.