MOTORISTS in Bathurst have been encouraged to fill up their cars now before petrol prices jump around the region.
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Although prices are similar to how they were this time last year, the NRMA has forecast them to rise by several cents over the next week.
“Because of the spike in Sydney prices last week that have flowed through to other regional centres, along with rising terminal gate prices, the NRMA expects that petrol prices in the Central West could rise on average 4-5 cents per litre in the coming week,” regional corporate affairs advisor Helen Machalias said.
As of Monday, the average price for unleaded fuel in Bathurst was 128.8 cents per litre, with a minimum of 117.9 cents per litre and a maximum of 155 cents per litre.
Ms Machalias said this was a fair price considering the normal factors that contribute to regional fuel prices.
“Prices have been stable around the 129 cents per litre level for the past four to five weeks,” she said.
“This average price is reasonable, given current terminal gate prices in Sydney of around 117.5 cents per litre.”
Around the Central West, the prices are quite varied.
In Orange, the price is just under three cents per litre cheaper than in Bathurst, while in Dubbo the price for unleaded fuel is fractionally higher.
Lithgow, however, is significantly cheaper than other cities in the Central West, with an average of 122.5 cents per litre.
In Bathurst, there is a price discrepancy between retailers, meaning motorists can pay less than the average price if they are strategic with where they fuel up.
The NRMA advises motorists to use the tools at their disposal to ensure they get the best price.
“Because there can be such significant price variations within the same town, we recommend using the mynrma app to shop around and get the best value fuel,” Ms Machalias said.
“Other ways you can reduce your fuel costs are refuelling when prices are low, rather than when the tank is empty, lightening your load by removing roof racks or bull bars if they’re not needed and servicing your car regularly, as blocked air filters can increase fuel consumption significantly.”
As of Monday, the Metro at Perthville at the best price for unleaded at 117.9 cents per litre.
The Metro on Rocket Street had the best prices for e10 and diesel at 121.9 and 122.9 cents per litre respectively.