PETROL prices are tumbling down around the Central West, but our western neighbours are still getting a raw deal compared to Lithgow consumers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As of Monday, Bathurst’s average price for unleaded fuel sat at 144.5 cents per litre, when less than two weeks earlier it was at 153.4.
NRMA spokesperson Rebecca Page said a similar pattern was being seen throughout much of regional NSW, but there were some locations better placed than others.
Lithgow, for example, had its average down to 125.5 cents per litre, despite being less than an hour away from Bathurst.
“If you’re from Bathurst heading east, go to Lithgow,” Ms Page said.
“We as the NRMA recommend motorists support the retailers that are doing the right thing.”
Read more
Lithgow’s low prices were attributed to the presence of multiple independent retailers, which could be more flexible in pricing and likely relied on petrol to support their businesses.
Orange and Dubbo both saw price drops in the last week, but they were still priced higher than Bathurst and significantly higher than Lithgow on Monday.
The average prices in those cities was 144.9 and 153.4 cents per litre respectively.
Ms Page said prices were expected to fall further over the coming weeks and attributed the good news to geopolitical factors.
Global oil prices have been consistently falling due to sanctions on oil-producing countries being lifted by the United States of America.
The Australian dollar is also a lot stronger than it has been, helping to make petrol more affordable.
Although prices collectively have fallen in Bathurst, there is still a big price discrepancy across the various retailers.
On Monday, the cheapest retailer had unleaded for 139.9 cents per litre, while the most expensive was 153.4, nearly 14 cents dearer.
With such radical differences, motorists have again been reminded to shop around before filling up, particularly if they’ll be travelling for the holidays.
“Over the holiday period we recommend motorists, before you do get in the car, jump on the NRMA app and check prices where you are and where you are going and fill up at the cheapest place along that route,” Ms Page said.