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Easter travel plans on hold as Australians brace for higher costs and fuel uncertainty
2 April 2026
Half (52%) of Australians are cancelling or changing their Easter long weekend plans due to cost and fuel shortage concerns, according to new Westpac data.
With 93 per cent of Australians saying they are concerned about the impacts current geopolitical conflicts will have on everyday expenses, many are adjusting their spending habits. Half (49%) are driving less and 44 per cent are cutting back on non-essential spending.
Westpac Chief Executive of Consumer, Carolyn McCann, says the data indicates a broader sense of caution about household budgets and unpredictability of fuel prices.
“What we’re seeing is not just a change in travel plans for Easter, it’s a broader pause as households reassess how they manage everyday costs in an increasingly uncertain environment,” McCann said.
“When fuel prices and global events feel out of people’s control, discretionary spending is often the first thing to be reconsidered. Easter is a clear example of that pressure coming through in real‑world decisions.”
The research found many Australians are already looking ahead with one third (33%) planning to change how they shop for groceries or delay large purchases over the next six months.
“Households are not only responding to what is happening in the short-term, but also already thinking about protecting themselves against what might come next influencing decisions across bigger purchases like travel, transport and other non-discretionary items,” McCann said.
MORE CUSTOMERS CONSIDERING ELECTRIC VEHICLES
As fuel costs remain unpredictable, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly being viewed by Australians as a practical way to gain greater certainty over weekly transport expenses.
According to the research, almost half (45%) of Australians are considering an EV to reduce reliance on fuel prices and supply concerns.
This shift has also been reflected in customer behaviour, with Westpac recording a 70% increase in EV personal loans applications over the past two weeks alongside a 124% increase in website traffic to EV personal loan pages compared with the 12-week average.
“For many households this is about control,” McCann added.
“When fuel prices fluctuate sharply, people start looking for longer-term solutions that provide predictability. Electric vehicles are increasingly being considered through that lens as a way to manage ongoing costs, in addition to being a lifestyle choice.”
Westpac has partnered with Origin Energy to help eligible customers looking to purchase more energy efficient products like EV chargers or solar panels with special rates available through unsecured personal loans or a Sustainable Upgrade Home Loan. Eligible customers can also access a $300 cashback when approved for an energy upgrade personal loan. For more information visit the Westpac website.
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