According to the NRMA's Bowser Buster, which monitors 57 locations statewide, Bathurst had the fifth best average price for unleaded fuel at 142.6 cents per litre.

It was beaten by Albury (142.3), Nowra (142.0), Goulburn (141.2) and Gunnedah (138.1) for the week ending May 19.

ALSO MAKING NEWS: Russell Street to be close from May 24 to 27, detour via Rocket Street

Bathurst is also leading the Central West, with the next best-placed city being Orange on 143.8 cents per litre.

While Bathurst ranks well in the state, NRMA spokesperson Rebecca Page said there was still a price discrepancy locally.

There has been more than five cents a litre difference in unleaded petrol prices at the city's cheapest and most expensive retailers.

Ms Page said the supermarket-owned retailers were often more expensive, while the independents were more competitive due to a different pricing model.

"We often see that towns or markets with more independents have a more competitive market," she said.

She encouraged motorists to shop around as it could lead to big savings, especially when many households are struggling with pressures caused by drought.

"We want them to be checking what prices are before filling up," Ms Page said.

"We don't want them handing over the family budget to petrol stations when their prices are five cents more."

ALSO MAKING NEWS: Black Springs crash: One man dead, one taken to hospital

The NRMA has live prices available on its app.

As of Thursday, the best price for unleaded fuel was at the Metro Petroleum retailer in Perthville, where it was priced at 139.7 cents per litre.

The same retailer also had the best price for diesel, at 147.9 cents per litre, while the Metro in Rocket Street had the best price for e10, 135.9 cents per litre.

Ms Page said petrol prices were expected to remain relatively unchanged in the coming weeks.

"There's nothing in the international factors at the moment affecting the market to say there will be a rise or a fall," she said.