For the week ending October 13, the two regional cities sat fifth and third respectively for unleaded petrol prices monitored by the NRMA.

Bathurst's price of 143.2 cents per litre was narrowly beaten by Orange's 140.8.

Joining them in the top five were Newcastle in fourth with 143 cents per litre, Sydney with 140.1 and Gunnedah at 138.6.

Around the rest of the Central West, prices varied between 144.3 cents per litre (Lithgow) and 151.8 (Mudgee).

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NRMA spokesperson Rebecca Page said there wasn't a clear reason why the Central West was doing so well compared to other parts of the state, where prices got as high as 154.8 cents per litre.

"We can't find any clear reason as to why the Central West would be cheaper compared to the rest of the state, except for perhaps the suggestion that is it seasonal," she said.

Ms Page explained major events, such as the annual Bathurst 1000, may be taken advantage of by retailers and lead to price changes.

Those changes may not always benefit motorists.

While Bathurst has traditionally been cheaper than Orange, the roles have reversed in recent times, a change linked to new independent retailers in Orange.

"Those independents have well and truly settled in now and what they have done is create a more competitive market," Ms Page said.

"We wholeheartedly embrace competition in the market, as it can make prices cheaper."

Central West motorists are also enjoying significantly cheaper prices than what they were this time last year, when prices for unleaded were around 10 cents per litre dearer.

Ms Page said this was to do with changes to the wholesale price, which was 11 cents cheaper on Tuesday compared to last year.

Motorists may also see prices drop further around Bathurst in the coming weeks and they are encouraged to shop around to make sure they get the best deal.