Pump Action: Bathurst petrol prices expected to rise more before they fall

For the week ending March 21, Bathurst's average price for unleaded fuel was 132.6 centres per litre, compared to 115 at the end of the first week of January.

The most recent average shows a 1.5 cent price rise from the previous week.

The NRMA warned motorists at the start of March to brace for price rises, resulting from increased demand for fuel, OPEC's cuts to oil production and a desire from petrol retailers to maintain profit margins.

READ MORE: PUMP ACTION: Petrol prices expected to soar in Sydney and regional NSW

While regional prices have risen slowly, prices in Sydney have exceeded 150 cents per litre in recent weeks.

However, they are now falling.

"Over the past week, the average Mogas price fell 0.4 cents per litre with the Australian dollar falling 0.3 cents to 77.5 cents against the US dollar," the NRMA said.

"Last week average regular unleaded prices fell 7.6 cents per litre and are now expected to fall to 130 cents per litre over the next 7-10 days."

The NRMA said average unleaded prices in Sydney should range between 130 cents per litre at the low point of the current cycle and 158 cents per litre at the high point of the next cycle.

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In Bathurst and regional NSW, prices are expected to rise further in the coming weeks.

"Petrol prices in Bathurst have been rising steadily recently, climbing about 6.5 cents over the past month," NRMA spokesperson Rebecca Page said.

"The current average mid-week is 134.4 cents a litre for unleaded, we're predicting another week or two of increases in the area before they plateau.

"Having said that's there's no indication prices should go any higher than the high 130s, so motorists shouldn't be paying more than that.

"The wholesale price is dropping in Sydney, so we expect those falls to hit Bathurst in about three weeks, but even then motorists shouldn't expect a drastic drop but rather, a slow fall."

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