Gull's lowest price yesterday was 184.9c, in Rotorua, and three of its Auckland stations - in Botany, East Tamaki and Otara - were selling the grade at 185.9c, said managing director Dave Bodger. Gull's average price across 45 North Island stations under its control was 192.5c and the maximum was 196.9c.
But Jonty Mills of BP said yesterday was the first time for two and a half years that petrol had been under $2 nationally "and we're thrilled to be able to offer this to all our customers across the country".
"We acknowledge that in some highly competitive hot-spots it has been under $2 for some time but we are a national player and this is a national reduction," he said.
The move was enabled by international supply exceeding demand, reinforced by OPEC deciding against cutting production.
"It's great news leading into the festive season," Mr Mills said.
"We've passed on these benefits as quickly as possible and now the whole country can enjoy cheaper fuel."
Z spokeswoman Christine Langdon said her company had led a 3c cut in national main port prices across all fuel grades, meaning "discretionary travel" would become much more affordable.
Petrol looks likely to stay cheaper than it has been over any Christmas period since 2010, and at least 16c lower than at this time last year.
It compares with a record 226.9c at the pumps in July last year.
But Green Party transport spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter says motorists should consider the extra burden on the climate and congested roads before pulling out all stops this summer.
"There's nothing wrong with driving cars except that if everyone tries to do it at the same time, it makes it hard for anyone to get anywhere," she said.
"What the Government should be doing is investing more on cost-effective options like public transport and walking and cycling, all of which are good for the economy whether or not petrol prices are high or low."
