Where to find the cheapest (and most expensive) fuel in the Northern Rivers

Petrol prices across the Northern Rivers have fallen sharply since the conflict in the Middle East began, but they remain historically high, with significant variations across the region.

The Tweed was the cheapest area in the region to fill up with unleaded petrol this week, with prices averaging 205.2 cents per litre – a 43-cent drop over the past month, according to NRMA research. It was followed by Lismore at 210.7 cents (down 40 cents) and Ballina at 212.7 cents (down 39 cents).

Byron remained the most expensive area in the region for unleaded petrol at 223.8 cents per litre, representing a 35-cent fall over the same period.

The declines come in response to the Federal Government’s decision to halve the fuel excise for three months from March 30, reducing taxes on petrol and diesel by 26.3 cents per litre. Reduced consumer stockpiling has also eased demand-driven pressure on prices.

The Tweed is also the most affordable area for diesel, averaging 299.7 cents per litre. While diesel prices across the region increased slightly over the past month – up three cents per litre in the Tweed – there are signs of improvement, with prices dropping 21 cents since April 19.

In Lismore, diesel averaged 301.3 cents per litre (up two cents over the past month), while Ballina recorded 309.6 cents (a 10.6 per cent increase).

Byron was again the most expensive for diesel, with prices averaging 317.8 cents per litre – a 17-cent fall since April 19 but an 18-cent rise over the past month.

While prices fluctuate daily, the cheapest service station this week according to free comparison app Petrol Spy was Pearl Energy Tweed Heads, where unleaded was 189.5 cents per litre. In contrast, the price at Tintenbar Store was 231 cents per litre.

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said prices tend to be higher in regional areas.

“In areas where there’s more service stations there’s more competition,” he said.