why is fuel so expensive today

Because the universe enjoys irony and the fuel market doubly so.

Prices jump with crude oil spikes, OPEC+ supply tweaks, refinery outages, and assorted global dramas.

In Australia, a weaker AUD makes imported fuel pricier, then you add fuel excise and 10% GST (yes, tax on a tax—delightful) and watch the bowser sulk.

Capital cities also run price cycles, so the timing of your top-up can add or shave cents per litre.

Short version: it’s a cocktail of world oil, exchange rates, taxes and retail margins; today just happens to be heavy on the bitters.