Fuel levy calculator for Australian transport operators
Work out the fuel levy (fuel surcharge) to add to your freight charges when diesel moves away from the price your rates were set at. Put in your numbers and the levy calculates itself.
Fuel levy calculator
The fuel tax credit filled in is the ATO's heavy vehicle rate from 3 August 2026 (21.3 c/L). Check the current rate on the ATO fuel tax credit rates page. The prices are only an example, so put in your own. This page doesn't save or send anything you type.
How the calculator works
- It takes GST out of both pump prices (divide by 1.1).
- It takes off the net fuel tax credit for heavy vehicles, so you compare what fuel really costs you.
- Fuel price change = (current − base) ÷ base.
- Fuel levy % = fuel price change × your fuel share of costs.
- Levy in dollars = levy % × the freight charge.
If fuel falls below your base price, the levy is zero, or a credit if your agreement says so.
For the full method, where to get independent prices, and what to put in the contract, read how to calculate a fuel levy. To work out the fuel tax credit itself, use the fuel tax credit calculator.
Common questions
What diesel price should I use?
An independent published price, such as the Australian Institute of Petroleum's weekly diesel prices, from the same series for base and current.
What fuel cost share is normal?
Many operators land around a quarter to a third of their costs, but use your own accounts: annual fuel spend ÷ total annual operating costs.
How often should the levy change?
Whatever you agree with each customer: weekly, fortnightly or monthly is common, often with a threshold so small moves don't change it.
Apply it automatically
TrakkHQ applies each customer's agreed fuel levy to every job and shows it as its own line on the invoice that goes to Xero.
This calculator is general information, not financial or tax advice. Check current ATO fuel tax credit rates and get advice for your circumstances.