PETROL prices skyrocketed when the Bathurst 1000 period started on October 6 and they have yet to come down.
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But a spokesperson for the NRMA said the event is not solely responsible.
For the week ending October 2, Bathurst’s average price for unleaded fuel was 112.4 cents per litre.
The average jumped to 127.4 cents per litre a week later and then went up again to 128.1 cents per litre for the week ending October 16.
“It was actually a price rise that was felt right across the region,” the NRMA spokesperson said.
“It was not only a price rise for the tourists in town, but for the school holidays as well, so it was a double whammy.”
The spokesperson went on to say that prices also rose in cities outside of the Central West, including Sydney, where the average price was 130.4 cents per litre for the week ending October 16.
“[Bathurst’s average] is relatively high considering the previous week, but it is in line with what we saw right across the state,” they said.
Although prices are quite high now, the spokesperson said the NRMA predicts there will be a significant drop in the coming weeks.
“For Bathurst, we expect prices to fall to 120 cents per litre at least,” they said.
In the meantime, motorists are advised to shop around for the best price.
The spokesperson recommended using the NRMA app, which displays the latest fuel prices for each city.
As of Friday, the best place to fuel up with unleaded petrol in Bathurst was at the Metro at Perthville, where it was priced at 118.9 cents per litre.
The same retailer also had the best price for diesel fuel at 115.9 cents per litre.
Those who fuel up with e10 can do so for 119.9 cents per litre at the Metro on Rocket Street.
The Western Advocate is continuing its Pump Action community campaign online.
Anyone who spots a cheap petrol price is encouraged to share it on the Western Advocate Facebook page to help other residents save.