Motorists are currently paying an average of 127.2 cents per litre (cpl) for unleaded petrol in Wellington, down from 135 cents the week ending October 8 and now on par with neighbouring centres Dubbo (129.2cpl), Orange (126cpl), Parkes (129.4cpl) and Bathurst (128.8cpl).

Regional Corporate Affairs Advisor, Helen Machalias, said the drop can be put down to the dynamic price cycle. 

“As fuel prices are driven by competition, it is usually the case that larger regional centres such as Dubbo, Bathurst and Orange will have cheaper prices as there are a greater number of fuel retailers and more independent stations, which tend to be cheaper,” she said.

“Petrol prices in Dubbo and Parkes are middle of the road in terms of petrol prices throughout regional NSW (ranked 30th and 32nd out of 57).”

“There can be significant variations in price even within the same town, so we encourage motorists to use the NRMA app to compare fuel prices and make an informed choice.”

NRMA’s tips to save on fuel include using the NRMA Fuel App, avoid hard acceleration and braking, and watch your speed.

“Smooth driving can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent,” Helen said.

“Take off roof-racks and bull bars if they’re not needed, and remove golf clubs or tools if you’re not using them.”

She said tyre pressure and wheel alignment are important to have checked, as well as having your car serviced regularly. 

“Under-inflated tyres respond poorly to steering and do not hold well on the road, and an improper alignment will see your tyres drag across the bitumen rather than rolling freely which results in lower fuel economy,” Helen said.

Switching off the air-conditioning can also reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent.