The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) report, released on May 13, detailed the annual average retail petrol prices throughout 2017.

It also identified the highest and lowest priced major retailers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

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Coles Express was found to be the most expensive on average across those five cities, and Woolworths and independents generally the cheapest.

While the report only took major cities into account, prices in Dubbo in terms of the cheapest and most expensive retailers are consistent with the ACCC findings. ​

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said motorists often fill up at the same petrol station, but the report suggests it’s time for people to break the habit so they can start saving.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury agreed, saying the NRMA has always encouraged people to shop around. 

He said it may only seem like a few cents at the time, but over the course of a year it adds up to a lot of money being spent unnecessarily.   

“Getting those four or five cents savings is really important for families,” he said. 

“The cost of transport is going up every quarter and petrol is where you can save.”

Mr Khoury added that Australians are about to see a four-year high in petrol prices, where they are predicted to reach 160 cents per litre.

“We don’t like seeing prices like that and unfortunately there is not much we can do about that because it is global factors out of our control,” he said.

The NRMA aims to help motorists through its MyNRMA app and the company has also introduced a fuel discount for members as part of its ongoing efforts to help motorists save money at the bowser. 

“We’ve doubled down this week and now if you’re a member of the NRMA, along with doing your own research, you can save five cents on fuel at Caltex,” Mr Khoury said.