Customers have taken to TikTok and Instagram to share their experiences, claiming they were warned of steep penalties if vehicles were not returned with a full tank.
“They are charging about $9 a litre now,” one user wrote.
Another said they were told at the counter, “Fill it, or I’ll be charged $7 a litre.”
Others reported similar charges, with one claiming: “Hertz is $6 a litre,” while another added: “Most Avis/Budget locations charge like $4-$6 per litre.”
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The claims have sparked debate online, with many saying the charges far exceed standard petrol prices.
Most major rental companies in Australia operate under a full-to-full policy, where vehicles are provided with a full tank and must be returned the same way.
If not, the company refuels the vehicle on behalf of the customer, but at a rate set by the company, not the local petrol station.
Car rental giant Budget states it will charge customers a per-litre rate higher than local fuel stations if they return a car without a full tank.
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Similarly, Avis warns that a refuelling charge will apply, with the exact price only disclosed at the counter when customers pick up their vehicle.
Those refuelling charges have sat well above bowser prices, often around $2 to $2 per litre and include an additional service or convenience fee.
But with petrol prices rising sharply, customers now say those costs have escalated dramatically, with Australians paying up to $9 a litre.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) spokesman said businesses are generally free to set their own prices, including for refuelling charges.
However, they warned companies must comply with Australian Consumer Law.
“Businesses must not mislead consumers about the price for goods or services and must provide clear upfront information about what consumers will pay,” the spokesman said.
The ACCC acknowledged rental car fuel charges are often higher than standard bowser prices, as they can include additional costs associated with refuelling.
Consumers who believe they have been mislead are encouraged to first contact the business directly, and if unresolved, report the matter to their local state or territory consumer protection agency or the ACCC.
Rental car companies, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and SIXT, have been contacted for comment.
