Australia's average metropolitan unleaded pump price eased slightly in the last financial year but domestic fuel costs remain high, the competition watchdog says.
In its latest report on unleaded petrol, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said the international market price of refined product accounted for 53 per cent of the cost paid by consumers, with government taxes making up 36 per cent.
The remaining 11 per cent goes to domestic wholesalers and retailers.
In Australia's major capital cities, the average pump price fell from 142.8 cents per litre in 2011/12 to 141.3 cents per litre in 2012/13.
"Domestic petrol prices remained high in 2012/13 on the back of persistently high international prices," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said on Wednesday.
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However, Australia's strong dollar provided some protection from higher international prices.
Due to lower taxes on fuel compared with other countries, petrol prices in Australia are still among the lowest in the OECD, the ACCC found.
The ACCC continues to investigate "significant sources of consumer concerns", including price cycles in major metropolitan markets and relatively higher prices in regional centres.
"The increased duration of price cycles and the unpredictability of the low-price day has added to the frustration of consumers, particularly those who take advantage of the low point in the cycle to purchase petrol," Mr Sims said.
