AVOID BUYING PETROL ON CHRISTMAS DAY

Motorists are being encouraged to fill up the family car on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning before prices reach the peak of the weekly price cycle this Friday – Christmas Day.

NRMA Motoring & Services President Wendy Machin said if motorists could fill up when prices were at the low point of the cycle they could typically save up to 12 cents per litre.

“This time of year most families head out of town for the Christmas break and we want them to fill up before Thursday lunchtime if they can,” Ms Machin said.

“The average price in Sydney today and Thursday morning should be around $1.14 cents per litre before it increases dramatically on Thursday afternoon.

“The difference on a tank of fuel for the average family car could be as high as $8.”

Motorists can confirm they are not being over-charged for petrol these holidays by visiting NRMA’s Petrol Barometer at www.roadtube.com.au.

The barometer will hit the red zone if the average price of petrol in Sydney is four cents per litre or higher than NRMA’s suggested fair price, which is determined by monitoring the Singapore Mogas price, Australian dollar and weekly price cycle.

The NRMA will be working throughout the Christmas and New Year break to monitor fuel prices and highlight if motorists are subjected to a Christmas price hike like last year.

“Christmas Day lands on the most expensive day of the week,” Ms Machin said.

“However that does not mean the oil companies can charge whatever they want so we will be monitoring their behavior closely.”