Why petrol prices in Ipswich have hit an all-time record high above 170 cents per litre

RACQ is urging drivers to avoid filling up their tanks after a new record was set for petrol prices ahead of the school holidays. Here’s where you can find the cheapest fuel in Ipswich.

The state’s peak motoring body is warning drivers to avoid filling up their fuel tanks for as long as possible after prices at the bowser hit an all-time record high in Ipswich ahead of the school holidays.

RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said the average cost of unleaded in Ipswich was at 170.6 centres per litre, which was a new record for the city.

Brisbane’s price record had also been broken with prices also creeping close to a new standard on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

“High prices are being felt across the south east,” Ms Smith said.

Cyril Wilson buying fuel at Metro at West Ipswich, which is selling the cheapest fuel in Ipswich.

“Motorist should not fuel up now unless they absolutely have to.

“A combination of factors are at play.

“Not only is the OPEC oil-producing cartel manipulating production levels, we are also in the expensive phase of the petrol price cycle.”

Ms Smith advised motorists to top up their fuel tank rather than fill it up and to look outside the south east for better prices if they were travelling during the school holidays.

She recommended using fuel apps to plan road trips.

“Don’t fill up in the south east unless you absolutely have to,” she said.

“You can see what each service station is charging and what those prices are further along on your travel route or at your destination.

“Chances are it’s going to be cheaper than it is here in Brisbane and around the south east.

“Prices in the south east are peaking but further into regional Queensland where there is no price cycle they’re far more stable.

“For example, at Gympie, Bundaberg and Maryborough the average is less than 150 cents per litre.”

Ms Smith said prices were expected to drop be by the end of school holidays.

The RACQ’s ‘fair fuel price’ for unleaded in Ipswich on Thursday morning was 166.6 cents per litre with prices only expected to rise in the coming days.

There are deals to be had at Metro West Ipswich (145.9 cents per litre), Raceview Fuels (149.9 cents per litre) and Metro Silkstone (161.9 cents per litre).

Read more stories by Lachlan McIvor here.