Exclusive data obtained by the National Roads & Motorists’ Association has shown there is a 12 cents per litre gap between the cheapest and most expensive towns in western NSW.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NRMA analysed average price data for unleaded and diesel prices from 1 January 2014 to 8 February 2015 to determine which towns had the cheapest fuel.
A motorist travelling 30,000 km per year filling up in Albury would save about $360 compared to a motorist filling up in Tumut, where average unleaded prices were 12 cents per litre higher.
Western NSW NRMA Director Fiona Simson said towns such as Albury and Orange where there was a presence of independents created strong competition and ultimately cheaper petrol prices for local motorists.
“Tumut, Parkes, Mudgee and Armidale had some of the most expensive petrol prices in the State while Albury, Orange and Moama were all ranked in the top 10 cheapest,” Ms Simson said.
“Regardless of who is selling the cheapest petrol in any town, we want motorists to support them as that is a good way to create competition and ultimately, cheaper prices.
“The NRMA encourages local motorists to share pricing information on social media and support the cheapest retailer. We have seen this approach make a real difference in several NSW regional towns.
“We want motorists to keep their money in their pockets and not the oil companies.
“If you’re travelling around the state, your first stop should be the NRMA’s Bowser Buster website to see where petrol is historically cheaper. Then you can plan your petrol stops and potentially save money at the bowser.
“For example, at if you’re heading along the Newell, historical data shows you would be better off filling up at Forbes rather than Parkes – a further 20 minutes up the road. Our data shows Parkes motorists paid on average five cents per litre more for regular unleaded than Forbes motorists.”
Ms Simson said it paid to do your research before driving as the gap between the cheapest and most expensive towns could be up to 30 cents per litre.
“Sometimes towns with such wide price gaps are only a short drive from each other,” Ms Simson said.
The NRMA’s Bowser Buster website ranks each town’s average unleaded and diesel price for the previous week and is updated each Monday.
Average daily petrol prices for 54 NSW/ACT locations can also be found at http://www.mynrma.com.au/motoring-services/fuel.htm.
