why diesel so expensive

Because the world runs on diesel, and it’s currently charging a cover fee.

Demand from freight, mining and agriculture is sky‑high, while refining capacity hasn’t kept pace—especially after some local refineries shut and we import more. Global shocks (think wars, shipping snarls and seasonal heating demand in Europe) push the diesel crack spread up, and the weak AUD doesn’t help when barrels are priced in USD. Add Aussie fuel excise and GST, and the result at the bowser looks like a cruel magic trick. Diesel also has stricter low‑sulphur specs, which costs more to produce and ship. You can shop around, time your fills mid‑week, and consider fuel‑saving habits, but short of inventing teleportation, you’re paying market maths.