Petrol prices skyrocket before the long weekend

Petrol prices are about to skyrocket in Sydney, just in time for the long weekend.

That comes after peak prices had already been reached in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

A combination of a weak Australian dollar and the recent drone attack on Saudi Arabia's oil fields is to blame, said NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury.

 "Before that [attack] happened, world oil prices were at $66 a barrel. That's the Australian equivalent. They jumped to $84 a barrel as a result," he told Today.

"We had nothing to do obviously with that attack, but today, heading into the long weekend, Australian motorists are paying the price for it. The price cycle is working against us, so is the Aussie dollar," he said.

While pricing cycles rise and fall, Khoury believes that some petrol stations are taking advantage of the situation and gauging prices.

"You have asked about whether or not oil companies are ripping us off? If you look at Brisbane $1.68 that's highway robbery. They should never have gone above $1.66. The alarming thing about Brisbane there are a bunch of servos into the $1.75 and above. Whatever is going on in Brisbane has got to stop. We know Sydney has to go up another 3 cents," he said.

Given the inconsistency in the market, drivers are being urged to shop around.

"The average household in Sydney currently spends over $17,000 a year on transport costs and these current price hikes will only add further strain on the family budget. By finding the cheapest local service station, families can save about $500 a year."

Khoury also said there is some relief in sight for motorists, with prices expected to drop.

"The good news after we hit that high peak of $84 a barrel prices have dropped. The next cycle we should see average prices drop at least 10 cents a litre. That is much needed relief for families. Unfortunately, it's not going to come in time for the holidays."