Recent figures show a startling gap in petrol prices across the state

The National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) has released figures from a study from January 1, 2014 to February 8, 2015 that ranks towns according to their average unleaded and diesel fuel prices.

The study has revealed a 12 cents per litre (cpl) price gap between the Riverina’s cheapest town and the most expensive town.

Albury ranked sixth while Tumut was named the most expensive, with prices reaching more than 160cpl. 

Owner/operator of South West Independent Fuel Traders Swift, Paul Seaman, said he believes lack of access to service stations on the highway is the reason for low fuel prices.

“Albury has been bypassed and no services stations are on the highway,” he said.

“They are trying to entice them off the highway with low prices.”

Mr Seaman said there is no one factor that affects petrol prices, it is a combination of freight, location and numerous other circumstances.

His service station on Fitzmaurice Street has been independent for 15 years and offers competitive fuel prices but Mr Seaman said people always have an opinion on petrol prices.

“My way of thinking is you walk 10 kilometres or you pay me 128cpl,” he said.

“I know what I’d rather be doing.

“It’s not that dear looking at it that way.”

The survey shows that motorists travelling 30,000 kilometres a year filling up in Albury will save $360 compared to a motorist from Tumut.

Western NSW NRMA director Fiona Simpson advises motorists to do their research before driving as the gap between petrol prices could be up to 30cpl.

“We want motorists to keep their money in their pockets and not the oil companies,” she said.

The figures show that travelling a further 20 minutes up the road could offer a better deal on fuel so Ms Simpson advises looking at the NRMA Bowser Buster website.

Junee resident Luke Brady filled up at Swift and said he does not normally pay attention to petrol prices because fuel is a necessity but believes there should be less of a gap between city and country prices.

“I know there is more freight but I think there should be a set price,” he said.

How did petrol prices in Riverina towns rate in western NSW?