Petrol price spikes hit regional households hardest

RIVERLAND motorists and regional households are likely to continue feeling the greatest impact from fuel price increases, with new research showing low-income Australians bear a significantly heavier financial burden when petrol prices surge.

Research released by the e61 Institute found the sharp increase in petrol prices during March 2026 affected lower-income households far more severely than higher-income earners, while regional Australians were less able to reduce their fuel use than people living in metropolitan areas.