Mildura petrol prices expected to stay steady over Christmas

SUNRAYSIA’S fuel prices should remain steady in the lead-up to Christmas, despite rises in the capital cities.

RACV senior vehicle engineer Nicholas Platt said that regional fuel prices were less prone to dramatic price rises than the metropolitan market.

“Melbourne pricing follows a price cycle with peaks and troughs that are driven by local competition and discounting,” Mr Platt said.

Cities across the eastern seaboard saw pump prices rise last week, with prices at some stations in Sydney and Melbourne hitting $1.70 per litre, against a national wholesale price of $1.35.

However, RACV say Mildura motorists shouldn’t be too worried in the coming weeks.

“In Mildura pricing has historically followed the underlining wholesale price but recently prices have been quite static around $1.50 a litre,” Mr Platt said.

“As a general trend, prices tend to be on average slightly lower in holiday periods.”

Although the price at the pump appears set to remain unchanged in coming days, drivers are encouraged to use smartphone apps to keep an eye on fuel prices, and to remain vigilant.

“Fuel prices are not connected with any day of the week, nor are the cycles consistent in length,” Mr Platt said.