Drivers switch on to best petrol prices in town

HAPPY PUMPER: Gwen Archibald always fills up at Te Ngae Rd Mobil. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Drivers are travelling across the city to take advantage of some of the cheapest petrol prices in the country, with variations of up to 17c per litre between Rotorua service stations.

An unofficial Rotorua Daily Post survey yesterday found petrol priced at 178.9 at two Te Ngae stations compared to up to 195.9 in other parts of the city.

Matt Ralm, owner of Te Ngae Rd Mobil, where petrol was as low as 170.9 this week, said he was able to keep his prices low because he was an independent owner. His staff were locals and he wanted to give back to the community.

"We get a lot of people coming here from all over, they make it their destination," he said.

AA PetrolWatch spokesman Mark Stockdale said petrol prices had been coming down for the past seven weeks, with the lowest of all recorded in Rotorua and Auckland.

The drop was a result of international commodity prices falling, which flowed on to lower prices at the pump.

Mr Stockdale said the low prices would probably continue, with commodity prices still dropping.

"We will keep seeing some price cuts for the moment, especially in light in some of the international concerns around the Chinese stock market, as that is putting a bit of nervousness out there internationally and that's causing the commodity prices to fall," he said.

It was impossible to say how long the prices would stay as low as they were.

Mr Stockdale said independently owned service stations tended to offer cheaper petrol than the corporate chains, however he suggested that if people were driving a lot they should keep an eye on the price boards and take note of where the best prices were.

"Don't drive out of your way but definitely observe prices and make a mental note," he said.

"When you see a low price, take advantage of it."

Gwen Archibald said she always filled up her vehicle at the Te Ngae Rd Mobil.

"I always come here, we know it's the cheapest in the country," she said.

"The staff become very familiar with you very quickly, they're warm and friendly ...

"Whatever recipe he's got, he's got it right."

Note: The unscientific survey did not include all service stations in Rotorua.