Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Inflation boosted by fuel price surge

Consumer prices have been pushed up by a spike in petrol prices, but levels are still below the RBA's target range.

A spike in petrol prices has driven a pickup in the cost of living.

Consumer prices rose 0.6 per cent in June, after a 0.2 per cent fall in May, according to the Melbourne Institute's monthly inflation gauge.

In the 12 months to June, the inflation gauge rose 1.5 per cent, but still remains below the central bank's two-to-three per cent target band.

Melbourne Institute senior research fellow Sam Tsiaplias says a significant rise in volatile fuel prices, which jumped 7.6 per cent, drove the lift.

"Given this rise, it seems unlikely that we will get a repeat of last quarter's negative consumer price index result for the current quarter," Dr Tsiaplias said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"The inflation gauge excluding volatile items rose (in June), although they are still below their long-term averages."

The June print was also helped by an increase in the price of holiday travel and accommodation, as well as fruit and vegetables.

These were marginally offset by small price slides in clothing and footwear, and insurance and financial services.


1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world