For the week ending July 28, Orange was not only the cheapest Central West city for unleaded fuel, but was leading the state on the NRMA's watch list.

With an average price of 131 cents per litre, Orange was six cents per litre cheaper than Bathurst, which sat second in the Central West.

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NRMA spokesperson Rebecca Page said the reason Orange was doing so well was due to the introduction of independent retailers.

"We know that when one service station drops their prices others in the neighbourhood tend to drop their prices to create competition," she said.

"It is really good news for motorists in Orange."

Bathurst motorists are encouraged to be strategic when filling up and take advantage of Orange's lower prices where they can.

"If you're leaving Bathurst and you know you are going to Orange, it is better to hold off until you get there," Ms Page said.

Fortunately, Bathurst is expected to get a little bit more relief at the bowser in the coming weeks.

"In Bathurst, there is no reason why prices should be rising at all, if anything they should be coming down one or two cents in the coming weeks," Ms Page said.

There is still a price discrepancy between Bathurst retailers and, as retailers can charge whatever they like for fuel, people are encouraged to look for the best price.

"With that discrepancy that's why we encourage people to shop around. There's no reason to be paying more for what is the same product," Ms Page said.

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As of Tuesday, the best price for unleaded fuel was at both of the city's Metro Petroleums, where it was 129.7 cents per litre.

Diesel was cheapest at the two Metros, the United on Durham Street and the Caltex on Bentinck Street, each of them advertising this variety for 143.7 cents per litre.

The Metro on Rocket Street had the best price for e10, at 127.7 cents per litre.