Premium vs unleaded in Melbourne: octane, price spreads, and when each makes sense
Premium vs unleaded searches are often really two different questions:1. What am I allowed to put in the tank? (manufacturer minimum)
2. Is paying extra for premium worth it for my driving? (economics)
Start with the fuel-flap rule
If your vehicle requires 95 or 98, that requirement is the constraint — not a “preference”. If it recommends premium but allows 91, you have an economic decision — compare cents per kilometre, not vibes.
What premium is not
Premium is not automatically “cleaner” fuel in the way many shoppers imagine. Octane is about knock resistance for high-compression engines — read the nuance in Premium vs regular fuel.
How to compare prices fairly
Compare premium against premium on the same day along routes you actually drive. Example starting points:
Pair with unleaded boards in the same suburbs if you are evaluating a flexible car.
Related reading
If you are comparing fuels for a new car purchase, use Petrol vs diesel Melbourne as well.