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Easter weekend petrol: Motorists urged to check app to secure best value

April 1, 2021 - 5.46am

Motorists are being urged to shop around before filling up their car and to use E10 if possible to avoid the traditional price hike around Easter.

NSW's Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the government was ensuring its FuelCheck App was accurate and helpful to the state's motorists.

The Department of Fair Trading has been investigating service stations to see if their prices match those on the app, finding "99 per cent" were.

"In the lead up to Easter, we inspected 229 stations across the state, and I'm happy to report that 99 percent of businesses were doing the right thing," Mr Anderson said.

"Businesses have heard us loud and clear – keep the app up-to-date, or you could be fined $1,500.

"If you do see a difference between the prices on the app when you pull up to the pump, don't hesitate to report it to Fair Trading."

Analysis by the NRMA found that while the average price of regular unleaded fuel is falling, the gap between E10 and premium fuels is at record highs.

Prices are expected to continue falling throughout the Easter long weekend to a low-point in the Sydney price cycle of 128 cents per litre.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said with world oil prices now returned to pre-COVID levels it was important for motorists to find the cheapest fuel in their area through the myNRMA App and also encouraged drivers to not spend more on fuel unnecessarily by filling up with expensive brands.

"Prices in Sydney are falling at some of the slowest rates we have ever seen but they are falling – so it's important for motorists to buy at the right time to save at the bowser," Mr Khoury said.

"According to the myNRMA App the gap between the cheapest and most expensive service station in Sydney is almost a whopping 50 cents and the gap between the average price of E10 and Premium 98 is just over 23 cents, so clearly where you fill up and what you buy is important."