Aussie fuel crisis: Are motorcycles more economical than cars?

As conflict escalates in the Middle East, Australia’s fuel crisis is reaching boiling point, with soaring prices and growing concerns about supply disruptions.

So, does it make financial sense for people to turn to motorcycling to save money?

According to the Australian Institute of Petroleum, the average price of unleaded (ULP) petrol in East Coast capital cities currently sits at around $2.37/L. Diesel is even worse, averaging at least $2.80/L across all capitals.

In a Mad Max–style twist, police are now warning of potential fuel theft as uncertainty over Middle Eastern supply chains fuels fears of shortages.

Australia has not officially declared a fuel shortage, but community concern continues to rise, and the government is urging motorists not to “panic buy.”

But instead of preparing for post-apocalyptic fuel raids, cost-conscious motorists still have options while petrol prices remain high.

City dwellers can turn to public transport, walking, cycling, and even e-scooters — but another increasingly practical solution is motorcycling.

Related: How to improve your motorcycle's fuel economy

According to a 2022 Budget Direct report that draws on government statistics, the average fuel consumption for a motorcycle is 6.1L/100km, while internal-combustion passenger cars average around 11.1L/100km.

Some scooters can use as little as 2L/100km, while the most economical petrol-powered cars typically sit around 6L/100 km.

Based on the Budget Direct averages and today’s fuel prices, a rider would save roughly $120 over a 1000km trip compared with a driver of an average petrol car.

Of course, real-world conditions vary, but it’s fair to say that, on average, motorcycles are significantly more economical than cars.

And then there’s hybrid and electric… but that’s another story.