NRMA analysis reveals cheapest petrol prices in Australia ahead of Christmas

Petrol prices have been dropping in several major Australian cities - and filling up in the right place at the right time could cut $33 off a tank of fuel.

Petrol prices are falling in several Australian state capitals ahead of the holidays.

In Sydney, prices are trending downwards, but not all petrol stations will follow along in that direction, the National Roads and Motorists Association (NRMA) has warned.

“Some stubborn retailers will still be charging prices at the top of the cycle while others could be nearing the bottom,” NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said.

He said because prices vary wildly, a family could save a lot of money by choosing their place of refuelling carefully.

“By shopping around, families can save up to $33 on a single tank of fuel, and that’s money that could be put towards this year’s Christmas celebrations,” Mr Khoury said.

On Monday in Sydney the cheaper prices ranged from 98.3 to 119.9 cents per litre.

Petrol prices are falling in several Australian state capitals ahead of the holidays. Picture: Brenton Edwards

At the moment, the cheapest suburbs in Sydney for regular unleaded fuel are Lansvale and Fairfield.

The most expensive Sydney suburbs right now are on the northern beaches, in the eastern suburbs and on the lower North Shore.

Sydneysiders are urged to wait filling up if they can, as prices are expected to continue falling for about two or three weeks.
“If you can wait, wait. With every passing day, prices will get better,” Mr Khoury said.

But there are two major cities where motorists should try to fuel up as soon as possible.

“Brisbane, fill up now. Prices are going up,” Mr Khoury said.

Brisbane drivers will pay 147.5 cents per litre on average.

“Perth has a seven-day cycle, and tomorrow will be the cheapest day in Perth. Wednesday will be the most expensive. So fill up tomorrow if you can”

In Adelaide, the current average petrol price is 123.9 cents per litre.

In Melbourne prices are falling and the average price per litre is 134.5 cents.

In Canberra, the average price is 121.7 cents per litre, in Hobart the average is at 123.9 cents per litre, and in Darwin the average price per litre is 116 cents.

Those three cities have all seen stable prices recently.

Mr Khoury called on oil companies and NSW retailers to continue dropping their prices ahead of Christmas.

“This year Sydney’s price cycles have very much worked in the favour of oil companies with prices rising rapidly and fall very slowly – this doesn’t give drivers much opportunity to take advantage of better prices,” Mr Khoury said.