Australians are feeling the strain of a current global fuel crisis that’s rapidly changing each day. Driven by major disruptions to international oil supplies and conflict in the Middle East, instability is being felt across the fuel chain. These global pressures have now reached home, with communities across the country feeling the sting, and the impact is more than a few extra dollars at the checkout.
In response to the fuel crisis, we commissioned a survey of 800 Australians nationwide to examine what’s worrying Australians and how we may be able to help.
Our research shows Australians are already spending an average of $50-$60 more per week on fuel since the fuel crisis began, which is roughly $3,000 a year. If sustained, this could significantly erode household financial buffers. For context, Australians report being comfortable covering an unexpected expense of $3,171 on average, based on our January 2026 Financial Fitness survey conducted prior to the crisis. At that time, two-thirds (66%) of Australians reported they were already just scraping by financially, or worse.
Despite the pressure, Australians are adapting quickly, cutting back on driving and changing their routines to deal with increased stress at the pump.
Here’s what our survey data reveals about how Australians are coping, changing their behaviour, and preparing for a future where fuel access may not be as simple as we’re used to.
We’re driving less and rethinking the way we get around
When fuel prices spike, behaviour changes quickly. Our research highlights behaviours have shifted to a more reserved mindset:
- 49% of Australians are driving less overall, making it the most common response to rising prices.
- 26% are combining trips to reduce unnecessary travel.
- 22% are using public transport more often.
- 20% are cutting spending in other areas to offset the rising cost of fuel.
Interestingly, responses differ by age and household type:
- Younger Australians (18–24) are more likely to switch to public transport and even stockpile fuel.
- Older Australians (75+) are more likely to simply drive less or not change their habits at all.
- Families with young children are among the most proactive: combining trips, switching fuel types, and even queuing early to secure fuel.
- Higher income households are the least likely to use public transport, but are much more likely to work from home to save on travel.
Meanwhile, Aussies living solo are the least likely to make changes and most likely to report no adjustment to their habits.
How long can Australians cope without access to fuel?
One of the most striking findings is how quickly many households would struggle if fuel access became limited, showcasing Australia’s reliance on individual transport:
- 45% of households say they could maintain normal daily activities for one week or less without fuel. This can be broken down as follows:
- 9% would last only 1 to 2 days.
- 17% say 3 to 5 days.
- Another 19% say about a week.
- 24% of households say they could last between a week and a month, while 14% say they could last more than a month.
- 17% of households aren’t sure how long they could last, signalling uncertainty and limited preparedness.
Age and household structure also plays a major role:
- Younger Australians tend to say they could last about a week (27% compared with 19% average).
- Older Australians show much higher resilience, with 26% saying they could last more than a month (compared with 14% average).
- Younger families have the shortest resilience, with 13% lasting only 1 to 2 days, and just 10% able to last a month or more.
Tension is rising at petrol stations
As prices climb and supply concerns increase, our research indicates that Australians are reporting more unsafe or stressful behaviour at petrol stations:
- 36% have seen unsafe or tense situations during shortages or panic buying.
- 24% have witnessed queues spilling onto roads, causing traffic hazards.
- 13% have seen people rushing, arguing, or behaving aggressively.
Families – especially those with children – also report higher exposure to aggressive behaviour and queue cutting. Victoria shows slightly higher reports of confrontational behaviour compared to other states.
Stress levels are rising
The fuel crisis isn’t just a financial strain, it takes an emotional toll as well:
- 34% of Australians report high or very high anxiety or stress due to the crisis. When it comes to Younger Australians, this jumps to 52%.
- In contrast, only 8% of Older Australians report the same level of stress.
- Households with young children are particularly affected, with 45% reporting high or very high stress – reflecting the pressure of juggling rising costs and the demands of family life.
If you’re feeling the squeeze right now, you’re not alone. With costs increasing in many aspects of life, managing your money may feel overwhelming. To help organise household budgets, we’ve created a resource to help you take it one step at a time.
Read more about how Australians are feeling in our current cost of living crisis and consider Youi’s Financial Fitness guide to help manage expenses.
Disclaimer
Survey results are sourced from a survey conducted by Ideally Group Limited involving 800 individuals from all Australian States and Territories between 12/03/2026 and 13/03/2026. Results have not been independently verified by Youi and may not be representative of the general population. Individual experiences may vary.
