- Petrol prices have risen above $2 per litre in Australian cities due to Middle East conflict, prompting calls to retain the Electric Car Discount
- Electric vehicles can save households up to $3,000 annually in transport costs, primarily through avoiding petrol expenses
- The Electric Car Discount has helped over 114,000 Australians transition to electric vehicles
5 March 2026
As the Middle East conflict drives petrol prices above $2 per litre in Australian cities, the Electric Vehicle Council is calling on Federal and State Governments to strengthen support for electric vehicles and protect the Electric Car Discount.
With global oil markets under pressure, Australian motorists are once again bearing the brunt of international instability at the bowser.
“Every time there is conflict in oil-producing regions, Australians pay the price,” said Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council.
“The latest spike underscores a simple truth: as long as Australia relies on imported oil, households remain exposed to global shocks beyond our control.
“Electric vehicles help families cut their transport costs by up to $3,000 per year - and most of that saving comes from avoiding the cost of petrol, which is currently over $2 a litre.”
Ms Delvecchio said retaining the Electric Car Discount, which has already helped more than 114,000 Australians switch to electric vehicles, was one of the most effective ways to help households avoid soaring petrol costs.
“Retaining the Electric Car Discount is more important than ever. The policy, which is under review, is helping Australians switch to EVs, giving them more control over their household budgets,” Ms Delvecchio said.
“EVs are cheaper to run and don’t face the same exposure to global oil shocks. Their “fuel” is electricity - often cheaper off-peak and free for households with rooftop solar. Add lower servicing costs and EVs protect families from the rollercoaster of global petrol prices.”
Cost-of-living relief Australians can bank on
Unlike petrol prices, which fluctuate daily based on global events, electricity prices are more stable and increasingly powered by Australian-made renewable energy. Drivers who switch to EVs are shielded from oil price volatility and benefit from significantly lower running and maintenance costs.
At current petrol prices, the savings from driving electric are even greater, putting thousands of dollars back into the pockets of working Australians each year.
The Electric Car Discount has been instrumental in making EVs more affordable for everyday Australians, particularly through reducing the upfront cost barrier.
National security and energy independence
Australia imports $40 billion of oil each year which makes up 6% of our imports. Ongoing instability in the Middle East highlights the national security risks of relying on foreign oil supply chains.
“Supporting EV uptake is not just climate policy or industry policy - it’s national security policy,” Ms Delvecchio said. “Every electric vehicle on our roads reduces Australia’s dependence on imported oil and strengthens our resilience in times of global uncertainty.”
The Electric Vehicle Council is urging both federal and state governments to:
- Protect and strengthen the Electric Car Discount
- Re-introduce state-based EV incentives
- Accelerate the rollout of public charging infrastructure
- Continue investment in Australia’s renewable energy capacity.
About us:
The Electric Vehicle Council is the peak national body representing the electric vehicle industry in Australia. Representing members from across the value chain of the electric vehicle sector, the EVC is a trusted advisor and advocate to governments and decision makers across Australia. Our mission is to drive investment and awareness to accelerate the electrification of transport, for a more sustainable and prosperous Australia.
Contact details:
Todd Hayward – 0412 205 151
