Easter petrol: Buyer beware in country NSW

By Helen Machalias on 11 April 2017

With fuel prices peaking in the lead up to the Easter long weekend, the NRMA is encouraging drivers to shop around to find the cheapest fuel.

Regional NSW and the ACT are experiencing higher than average fuel prices, with a peak of $1.39 for regular unleaded in Yass, in contrast to a cheaper range of fuel at service stations in Sydney.

Key pit stops on popular tourist routes in the south of the state have gone up, with Bega prices reaching an average of $1.36.

It is a similar story on the North Coast, with Grafton hitting $1.37 and Woolgoolga reaching $1.36.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said with such a huge gap between prices from town to town across NSW over the long weekend, motorists should ensure they're informed or risk being over-charged almost 23 cents a litre before heading away.

"We're encouraging motorists taking regional road trips to use the NRMA Fuel App to find the cheapest fuel locally so they can save their money for other holiday expenses," Mr Khoury said.

According to the NRMA Fuel App, with real-time petrol data across NSW, there are still cheap service stations in parts of NSW.

Regular unleaded can be bought for $1.15 in Maitland. By contrast, the average fuel price in Grafton has soared to $1.37.

The highest regional unleaded petrol prices in the state are:

1. Yass $1.39

2. Tumut $1.37

3. Glen Innes $1.37

4. Grafton $1.37

5. Bega $1.36

The Top 5 cheapest unleaded petrol prices in NSW are:

1. Maitland $1.15

2. Nowra $1.16

3. Goulburn $1.18

4. Newcastle $1.20

5. Casino $1.21

"With these kinds of discrepancies, it pays to shop around – a quick check on the NRMA Fuel App can tell you which service stations to avoid. Major oil companies have the right to charge what they want and now we have the power to drive straight past them," Mr Khoury said.

"Petrol is a grudge purchase for most families and this Easter we don't want our Members subjecting themselves to more pain at the bowser than necessary."

The NRMA is committed to helping you get the best value at the pump using the my nrma app, plus we'll keep you up to speed with fuel price news and advice.