The cost of transport for Australians rose by almost three times the rate of inflation last year, with most now paying more than $100 per week for fuel.
New data from the Australian Automobile Association AAA showed over the 12 months to June 30, transport costs rose by 10.5 percent, compared to the CPI increase of 3.8 percent over the same period.
AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley said the association’s Transport Affordability Index found, in the June quarter, the typical Australian capital city household’s annualised cost of transport rose by $141 to $25,572.
Mr Bradley said this 0.6 per cent increase was less than the quarter’s 1.0 per cent CPI rise, but was a one-off fluctuation after the Tasmanian Government halved Hobart’s public transport fares on June 1.
He said annualised increases across the capitals included car loan repayments, up by $88; comprehensive car insurance, up by $54; and fuel expenditure, up by $72.
“The typical Australian capital city household’s average weekly fuel expenditure rose above $100,” Mr Bradley said.
“At a time when cost-of-living pressures across the board are hurting most Australians, increased transport cost rises are a major pain point for households and businesses.”
