Australian LPG Gas Price Explained
There are many factors that go into determining the price of LPG.
These all fluctuate over time.
We constantly review all of these factors to make sure that we have competitive prices.
The following should help explain all of these factors…
LPG Price Australia – World LPG Benchmark Pricing
LPG price Australia reflects the fact that LPG is an internationally traded commodity and influenced by international prices.
The international benchmark for the cost of Australian LPG is the Saudi Aramco Contract Price, also commonly called the Saudi CP.
The Saudi CP changes on a monthly basis, forcing price reviews at least once per month.
All internationally traded commodities are subject to price fluctuations.
Agricultural and natural resource products are similar to LPG, in that they are subject to the prevailing price in international commodity markets.
Australia does not have an influence on LPG price benchmarks, as our production of LPG is small compared to worldwide production.
The same is true for the Australian pricing of crude oil and refined products, which are also linked to international prices.
Exchange Rates
The Saudi CP is expressed in US dollars per tonne.
As the international price for LPG is in US dollars, the Australian dollar exchange rate also affects the Australian price of LPG.
Exchange rates change numerous times per day, making the setting and publishing of prices even more challenging.
Please see How to Compare LPG Gas Suppliers
LPG Transportation Costs
There are over 15,000 named locaties in Australia, from small towns and villages to large cities.
All of these localities are different distances from their closest delivery depots which, in turn, are different distances from their supply terminals.
Each has a specific cost of delivery and this complexity is one of the reasons why it is difficult to publish pricing for all areas.
For example, if you live 1km from a depot the cost of delivery would be much different than if you lived 50km away.
Transport costs and refinery terminal fees are also a significant part of the overall cost of delivered LPG.
Australian LPG is sourced from oil & gas fields, refineries and importers.
As these can vary across the different geographical locations of Australia, LPG pricing can also vary by location and distance from the source.
There are three distance related transportation cost variables:
- Distance from original source to the main terminal
- Distance from the main terminal to the various local depots
- Distance from the local depot to your location
Volume Used Affects LPG Pricing
The cost of servicing a larger volume account is typically less than a lower volume account.
Delivering larger quantities, on a given delivery, is obviously more economical.
There are also equipment costs, account administration costs and other costs & considerations that, when spread across more volume, will affect the price.
As an example, autogas dealers take thousands of litres per delivery, as compared to cooking only customers who might use just one gas bottle every 15 months.
As a result, the volume used affects the unit pricing.
Seasonality
The seasons can also affect LPG costs, as the worldwide demand is generally higher during the northern hemisphere winter.
In general, higher demand results in tightening of supplies and an increase in prices.
Taxes
The government affects the price you pay for LPG through the application of taxes.
GST applies to all LPG sold in Australia.
This adds 10% to the price of the LPG.
In addition, LPG used for vehicles – autogas – is also subject to an excise tax.
Excise tax on LPG started in 2011 and has been increased every year since.
It is currently 16.2 cents per litre.
Geo-Political Issues and Supply Interruptions
Embargos, wars and social unrest in LPG producing countries can adversely affect supply and drive prices upward.
Natural disasters, like earthquakes and fires, can also have an effect.
LPG Price Australia
LPG price Australia is subject to changes in the international LPG price, taxes, transport and other related costs and considerations.
While Elgas is the largest marketer of LPG in Australia, we are also dependent on the primary LPG producers for the product.
The variations in world benchmark pricing, exchange rates, transportation and delivery costs, as well as the variations in the volume used, make it impractical to publish pricing for all customers in all 15,000 Australian localities.
Contact your local ELGAS Customer Service Team today on 131 161 for a competitive price of LPG applicable to your unique situation.