Lithgow’s petrol stations have consistently delivered some of the most expensive fuel prices in the state over the past month.
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This is according to the NRMA’s Bowser Buster rankings, which lists the weekly average unleaded petrol and diesel prices for 57 locations in NSW and Canberra from cheapest to most expensive.
Lithgow’s average price for unleaded petrol of 143.1 cents a litre, was the second most expensive on the list for the week ending February 12.
The city’s fuel was the most expensive for the week ending February 5 and was the second most pricey the week before that.
NRMA spokesperson, Peter Khoury said these figures should not be expected of a town the size of Lithgow.
"That's pretty alarming, I mean you've got to remember there are a number of smaller towns on that list that have fewer service stations than Lithgow that are more competitive," said Mr Khoury.
"Lithgow is part of a number of towns that unfortunately haven't seen the falls that they should of since Christmas and the new year."
A quick check of the My NRMA smartphone app early afternoon on Tuesday showed that petrol was more than 20 cents cheaper just 15 kilometres down the road in Mt Victoria.
The cheapest price for Ethanol 94 in Lithgow was 138.9 at the Caltex Woolworths and BP service stations compared to 117.9 at Caltex Mt Victoria.
There was a further price drop for those travelling a bit further down the mountains with 116.9 for Ethanol 94 being advertised at United Blackheath.
For motorists heading west towards Bathurst, there was only a marginal decrease in cost with the town also on the higher end of the price scale over the past month.
Mr Khoury explained these large variations in price exist as each town is effectively its own market.
"In each area servos will respond to what the prices are in their local area," Mr Khoury said.
"There is no law that tells the service station what they should or shouldn't charge, prices in Australia aren't regulated."
Mr Khoury encouraged motorists to use the research tools available to them including Bowser Buster and the Fuel Check website to seek out the cheapest petrol.
"Often you might be going to towns that are cheaper than Lithgow and if that's the case, fill up there.
"More of often than not, people now that they've got real-time data, they can actually find the cheapest service station in town or on their journey and fill up there.
"A little bit of research can go a long way to saving money"
