Gas Price Trends in Australia 2026
How have Australian gas prices changed in 2026? This report examines gas price trends across NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA, the drivers of price changes, and what households can do to manage rising gas costs.
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Australian gas prices — overview
Gas price trends in Australia reflect a combination of wholesale gas market conditions, network tariff adjustments, and retailer competition. In recent years, gas prices in the eastern states have increased, driven by rising wholesale costs and network charges.
Natural gas is supplied to Australian households through a distribution network managed by state-based operators. Retail competition exists in NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA, where households can choose between multiple retailers and switch plans freely.
Average gas prices by state (2026)
| State | Avg rate (c/MJ) | Supply charge ($/day) | Avg annual bill |
|---|---|---|---|
Lowest avgQueensland | 2.45c | $0.80 | $1,090 |
| 2.58c | $0.84 | $1,240 | |
| 2.72c | $0.88 | $1,320 | |
| 3.05c | $0.96 | $1,480 |
* Average figures based on published plan data. Individual bills vary by usage and plan. Last updated: 8 March 2026.
Gas prices by state — detailed breakdown
New South Wales
Compare plans →New South Wales has a competitive gas market. Gas is widely used for heating and hot water in Sydney and regional NSW.
Victoria
Compare plans →Victoria has the most competitive residential gas retail market in Australia, with a large number of retailers.
Queensland
Compare plans →Gas in Queensland is primarily used for hot water and cooking rather than space heating, resulting in lower average bills than southern states.
South Australia
Compare plans →South Australia has some of the higher residential gas prices in the eastern states, making comparison particularly valuable.
Gas price trends in Australia
Australian gas prices have increased in recent years, driven by rising wholesale costs, network tariff adjustments, and increased demand from both residential and industrial consumers. South Australia has experienced the highest price growth, while Queensland remains the most affordable state for residential gas.
Year-on-year price changes across the gas states:
- New South Wales+3.8% yr/yr
- Victoria+4.2% yr/yr
- Queensland+2.9% yr/yr
- South Australia+5.1% yr/yr
What affects your annual gas bill?
- ·Household size — more people means more hot water and cooking usage.
- ·Gas appliances — central heating, ducted heating, and gas dryers add significant consumption.
- ·Home insulation — better-insulated homes require less gas for heating.
- ·Plan type — fixed vs variable rates affect how your bill changes over time.
- ·State — gas prices vary significantly across NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA.
- ·Season — winter usage is typically 2–3 times higher than summer for households with gas heating.
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Last updated: 8 March 2026. Data sourced from published retail plan data. Individual bills will vary. EnergyPlans.com.au is an independent comparison platform.