‘Don’t wait’: Drivers warned to fill up to beat Oz Day fuel shocker

Motorists have been warned that fuel prices could soar heading into the Australia Day long weekend, but there’s a way drivers can limit the damage.

Motorists have been urged to fill up their cars now, as fuel prices are set to soar to more than $2 a litre ahead of the long weekend.

The NRMA said on Thursday the average price for unleaded petrol in Sydney was $1.84 a litre. About 27 per cent of service stations across the metropolitan area are already charging upwards of $2.

Motorists have been urged to fill up their cars now.

“If you didn’t fill up last week while prices were at the bottom of the cycle, now would be a good time to fill up, as prices are only going to rise and rise quickly,” NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury warned.

He said prices in Sydney would “continue to increase well over the long weekend”.

The NRMA said on Thursday the average price for unleaded petrol in Sydney was $1.84 a litre. Picture: Istock

“For families going away this long weekend, absolutely do your research,” Mr Khoury said.

“They may well be going to a town that’s cheaper than where they are right now, so it’s important to do that little bit of research before getting in the car and heading away.”

Mr Khoury said finding a bargain was still possible for Sydneysiders, with 43 per cent of service stations selling regular unleaded fuel for less than $1.71c a litre.

“There’s no reason to get ripped off, to be paying those $2 a litre prices, because there are bargains,” he said. “The My NRMA app shows real-time fuel prices, so you can find the best price on your journey.”