Petrol prices hit $2.10: 'Fill up now'

Fuel prices have hit $2.10 per litre, but there’s still time to snag a cheaper deal. (Source: Getty)

The days of cheap petrol are coming to an end, but there is still a small window for motorists to snag a deal.

Some retailers are charging more than $2.10 a litre for fuel across the major capital cities, new data from Compare the Market found.

It comes as many capital cities enter the start of a new fuel cycle, the first since the return of the full fuel excise last month.

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Compare the Market’s Chris Ford has urged motorists to fill up cheaply while they still can.

“We know that fuel prices fluctuate in regular cycles and commuters will see the biggest difference between the cheapest and the most expensive at the start of the cycle, when prices are climbing,” Ford said.

Sydney and Brisbane’s new price cycle began on Friday, while Melbourne’s started last week.

In Perth, the fuel cycle has already peaked, so motorists can expect to see prices fall below the $2 a litre mark.

The average price of Unleaded 91 petrol is currently $1.73 per litre in Sydney, $1.79 per litre in Melbourne and $1.75 per litre in Brisbane.

However, Compare the Market said motorists will soon have to pay significantly more than this. OPEC’s recent decision to cut oil production will also drive fuel prices up, it said.

How to save

There’s currently a difference of 50 cents per litre between the cheapest and most expensive fuel prices in capital cities, Compare the Market found.

In Sydney, the gap is even bigger at 56 cents per litre.

“Prices are typically higher in locations where there’s increased demand or areas where there’s not much competition,” Ford said.

Ford recommended using fuel apps to compare prices in your area.

You could also nab a discount through a supermarket voucher or your roadside assistance program.

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