MOTORISTS in Dubbo are still paying too much for fuel amid falling world oil prices and the spreading coronavirus pandemic, NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury says.
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When comparing towns across the region, the cost for regular unleaded fuel in Dubbo was not only the most expensive, but also above the NSW average at lunchtime on Thursday.
Data from the NSW Government's Fuel Check website shows the cheapest fuel on offer in Dubbo was for 134.9 cents a litre at the Independent South Dubbo on Cobra Street.
This is 5.2 cents a litre more than the NSW average of 129.7.
By comparison, the same fuel was not only cheaper than Dubbo but it was also less than the state average in Orange (123.7), Lithgow (120.9), Bathurst (120.5) and Mudgee (119.9).
Mr Khoury said there are a number of factors in why fuel prices should be falling.
The global economy is shutting down and that is leading to massive falls in price due to coronavirus.
- NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury
"World oil prices have dropped to $30 a barrel which is less than half of its usual price," he said.
"The global economy is shutting down and that is leading to massive falls in price due to coronavirus."
Mr Khoury said while some motorists have felt relief at the bowser, the lower prices were not always passed on.
"Right across Australia it hasn't fallen, or as much as it should, although in some regional areas it's a bit better," he said.
Mr Khoury said while some parts of the economy and businesses had shut down, fuel was absolutely essential during the pandemic.
"We still have to go out and buy groceries and everyone's still sending their kids to school. We do need to get around still," he said.
While oil companies "can charge whatever they want in Australia", Mr Khoury said regulation was not the answer.
"If the market works property and we've got decent competition then you don't want to regulate prices," he said. "There is growing calls for the government to get involved, but absolutely the government has bigger things to worry about right now."
Monitor fuel prices in your area at Fuel Check or on the NRMA app.