Rising fuel prices across Australia, driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, are prompting governments to introduce short-term relief measures, including free public transport in some states.
As petrol costs surge and supply concerns grow, Victoria and Tasmania have taken the lead, offering fare-free travel to ease cost-of-living pressures and reduce reliance on cars.
Here's what you need to know as an international student living in Australia.
Why is this happening?
Australia’s current fuel challenges are linked to global supply disruptions caused by conflict in the Persian Gulf. These disruptions have pushed up oil prices, which in turn have increased petrol costs nationwide.
With people feeling the strain, governments are looking for immediate ways to reduce expenses and limit fuel demand. Free public transport is one of several measures being trialled alongside federal policies like temporary fuel excise cuts.
Where is public transport free?
Victoria
Victoria has made all public transport, including trains, trams and buses, free from 31 March to 30 April 2026.
Tasmania
Tasmania has gone even further, offering free buses and ferries from 30 March to 30 June 2026.
What about other states and territories?
Not all states are following suit.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland have all ruled out free public transport for now. Instead, these governments say they are focusing on alternative cost-of-living measures or argue that existing fares are already relatively low. For example, Western Australia's Go Anywhere Fare of $2.80 across Transperth and Transregional networks, as well as free fares on Sundays statewide and during the week in the Perth Free Transit Zone.
Meanwhile, Queensland continues to offer 50-cent fares across its public transport network, a policy introduced in 2024 that has already boosted ridership.
All public bus services in the greater Darwin region and Alice Springs have been free since July 2024.
What happens now?
As the war in the Middle East continues, state and territory governments in Australia continue to meet, coordinating responses to the fuel crisis. Insider Guides will provide updates as they are announced.
If you drive, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged people not to stockpile petrol, saying: "People need to take what they need and no more." Australia's fuel supplies remain stable, with the country holding 39 days of petrol, 30 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel.
