Everyday motorists are feeling the pinch at the bowser, but travellers using long-range fuel tanks to and zoom around the country are paying even more to fill up.
The prohibitive price of fuel is forcing Australian caravan owners to delay their plans or face paying up to $100 more for every tank of petrol.
Everyday motorists are feeling the pinch at the bowser, but travellers driving long distances around the country are paying even more to fill up.
Full-time travellers Kirsty and James are about to make the 37-hour, 3750-kilometre drive from Melbourne to Darwin towing their new van.
READ MORE: Rideshare fares increase as drivers grapple with soaring fuel prices
LIVE UPDATES: Trump lashes out at Australia, allies over lack of help
The couple's long trip will far more costly than their original estimation.
A tank of 98 octane fuel around the country is now over $100 more than it was before the conflict in the Middle East began.
"We have a long range tank, 164 litres, so before the prices went up it was around $300 give or take," Kirsty told Nine.com.au.
"This was based on the average we were getting of around $1.89/l, but now using the Petrol Spy app 98 is $2.53 in Sunbury, so approximately $412 to fill up, which we anticipate will be even more once we are more remote."
Regional petrol stations are drying up as panic-buying in metro areas restricts the flow of liquid fuel to rural areas.
Higher prices at regional bowsers along the way could drive up Kirsty's already-stretched fuel budget.
READ MORE: What are the best ways to save fuel? Five tips to help Aussies save money on petrol
Kirsty said their car's mileage is around 500 kilometres per tank.
The added weight and strain on the engine while towing a caravan can impact fuel efficiency.
The couple will need to fill up close to eight times before reaching their destination, adding more than $800 to the price of their journey.
"That's provided it is pretty decent driving conditions and fuel prices don't change too drastically between now and the next two weeks when we are planning to leave," Kirsty added.
But it's not an option to wait until prices start to dip.
Kirsty and James need to start work in Darwin to earn some money after over 12 months on the road.
"We really need to hit the road as we have work lined up in Darwin," she added.
READ MORE: Kyle Sandilands reveals contract terminated by ARN
The outlook is also "pretty grim" for other travellers too.
Anyone hoping to stay put to preserve fuel may find it tough as peak Easter season approaches, Kirsty warned.
"A lot of caravan parks are booked out or those that are available almost double in price," she said.
Fellow travellers Brad and Karen regularly fill up their Ford Everest, which tows their caravan, for their adventures around the country too.
The couple recently spent $70 to make the 180-kilometre trip from Albury in Victoria to Gundagai in NSW.
"Fuel prices are killing caravan travel," the couple said.
READ MORE: How to Choose 9News as your preferred source in Google's Top Stories
Another caravan owner Noel said he was "mothballing" his vehicle because of soaring prices.
"As a result of the extreme cost of fuel we have mothballed our caravan for an indefinite period, no holidays or weekend trips anymore," Noel said in post on Facebook.
Average prices for petrol have ballooned from around $1.80 a litre before the war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to around $2.20 now.
The price of diesel has jumped even higher, currently sitting at around $2.45.
Australia's consumer watchdog insists it will keep a close eye on fuel companies in the coming weeks to guard against price gouging at the petrol pump.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Dire warning about war's impact in Australia
Second hiker dies in hospital after horror fall on Sunshine Coast mountain
Australian man accused of assaulting TSA officer at Los Angeles airport
Supermarket giants say 'no changes' to delivery prices - yet
Man who allegedly fatally stabbed daughter and fiancée suffers mental disorder, lawyer says
Chilling prediction of 'slaughter' in diplomatic cables
NSW government paid $700 to get serial killer out of home with foster children
Parts of Melbourne set for high rises up to 20 storeys tall under new planning reforms
Matt took on the King of Denmark in a game of ping pong - and won
CCTV captures the moment man shot outside Melbourne cafe
Top tip to save on fuel in Australia's fuel crisis
Trump berates allies as he finds himself alone on Iran war
'Global recession risk': The danger on the flipside of the RBA's rate hike
Average Aussie household almost $75 a week worse off than six weeks ago
Man charged after ute filmed screaming down Melbourne street on rims
The Reserve Bank has hiked interest rates again. How much will this cost me?
Alleged Bondi shooter's family 'fearful' and at risk of being killed, court told
