Types of Petrol in Australia: A Complete Guide

Australian fuel retailers offer several petrol grades that differ in octane rating and composition. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right fuel for your car and potentially save money.

E10 is a 90% unleaded, 10% ethanol blend. It is the cheapest option and is approved for cars built after 2005. U91 (Unleaded 91) is standard unleaded petrol with a 91 octane rating. P95 (Premium 95) is premium unleaded with a 95 octane rating, used by cars that require higher-octane fuel. P98 (Premium 98) is super premium fuel for performance cars.

The octane rating indicates the fuel's ability to resist detonation in high-compression engines. Higher-octane fuels are more resistant to knocking and pinging. Most everyday cars run fine on E10 or U91, while performance and prestige brands typically require P95 or P98.

Always check your vehicle's owner's manual to see the recommended fuel grade. Using a lower octane fuel than recommended can reduce performance and fuel economy. Using a higher grade than necessary will not improve performance or economy, so it is wasteful.