Thousands of Sydney commuters are abandoning their cars for trains and buses as Middle East conflict sends petrol prices to punishing levels. New data shows the shift is reshaping daily travel patterns across the city, with public transport ridership climbing sharply as household fuel budgets come under strain.
Data obtained by 7NEWS reveals that in mid-February, before the war broke out, there were 2.3 million weekday trips across Sydney's public transport network. That number climbed to above 2.4 million last week, with more than 46,000 additional trips occurring over just three weeks. Oil prices rose past $US114 a barrel for the first time since 2022 as the conflict continued.
The cost at the pump has become a serious household concern. Average regular unleaded prices have risen 70.1 cents per litre from the previous low point of the Sydney cycle in mid-February 2026. Australia imports more than 90 per cent of the fuel we use, and it is priced in US dollars, so the exchange rate matters as much as the oil price.
Sydney Metro has emerged as a clear winner from the shift. The Sydney Metro even recorded its biggest commuter day on record as fuel prices continue to climb. The new underground service, which extends from the north-west through the CBD to Sydenham, offers speed and reliability that is proving attractive to cost-conscious travellers seeking to avoid gridlocked roads.
Commuters themselves are beginning to reconsider their car dependency. According to the primary source material, one commuter said "I was thinking about selling my car, actually. I don't really need it as much," while another noted "I still drive, but just driving less." These conversations reflect broader economic pressures mounting on household budgets.
However, not all transport workers are benefiting from the shift. Those who drive for a living face mounting pressure. NSW Taxi Council's Nick Abrahim said "If we could take away the cost, that means it will make it easier for the operators, but also takes the burden away from the travelling public." Taxi drivers have called on the state government to bring forward its annual assessment of metre rates to account for the fuel spike.
The underlying cause of Australia's fuel price surge reflects global vulnerability. Shipping in the crucial Strait of Hormuz has come to a virtual standstill, sparking a global oil price rise of about 10%, and the risk of Middle Eastern energy infrastructure becoming military targets has also raised the prospect of reduced production. Australia, with not much domestic refining left, is showcasing how even major fossil fuel exporters aren't immune to the widening energy crunch. While the supply of gasoline and diesel to Australia remains steady for now, the government has warned that a prolonged conflict could strain shipments.
The immediate consequences are visible on Sydney's roads and rails. As petrol becomes more expensive, public transport becomes a more rational choice for budget-conscious families. Whether this shift proves temporary, lasting only as long as fuel prices remain elevated, depends on how quickly the Middle East situation stabilises. What appears clear is that when faced with genuine cost pressure, people do change behaviour, and infrastructure matters. For Sydney, the timing of Sydney Metro's expansion has proven fortuitous: the service opened in August 2024, just months before global conflict sent fuel prices surging, offering commuters a fast, reliable alternative at a moment of genuine economic stress.