Rotorua cheapest place to fill tank

As petrol prices across the country continue to rise, Rotorua maintains its reputation as one of the cheapest places to fill your tank.

While the AA’s national fuel price is listed at 208.9c, an unofficial Rotorua Daily Post survey yesterday found prices across the town varied from only 162.9c to 182.9c for 91 octane.

Mark Stockdale, who runs Petrol Watch for the AA, said motorists in Rotorua were ‘‘winning’’.

‘‘The low prices here are subsidised by the high cost of petrol in regions like Wellington and the South Island.

‘‘It’s just such a competitive market,’’ Mr Stockdale said.

‘‘Companies that don’t match the low prices are forced to close.’’

‘‘Rotorua generally has lower prices across the board. Even the highest price is far below what the average Kiwi is paying.

‘‘Wherever you shop you’re paying less than a lot of other areas.’’

Te Ngae Rd continues to boast Rotorua’s cheapest fuel prices, up to 20c cheaper than competitors across the Rotorua area.

Mobil’s Te Ngae station was offering a further 10c off its board price of 162.9c, for customers spending more than $40 on petrol.

The BP and Gull outlets in Te Ngae Rd also offered petrol at a similar price.

Mobil station owner Matt Ralm said Te Ngae Rd had experienced a 35% increase in customers since last October.

‘‘Te Ngae is extremely competitive. We can keep it low by playing a numbers game,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s healthy competition for the consumer and a massive drawcard to our locals.’’

Other Rotorua prices included Pak’n Save (164.9c), BP Fairy Springs Rd (171.9c), Caltex Amohau St (182.9c) and Z Fenton St (182.9c).