Petrol prices: Commerce Commission reveals where motorists pay more, which regions have lowest costs.

Inflation is reeeeeal. But, petrol prices, the true death of our wallets. The OG of inflation and the back bone of where that flying money emoji stems from. The slightest increase in fuel price can cause mass panic. Some public transport in the big cities is half price yet we are still prepared to fork out a fortune to get from point A to B. So where in New Zealand is getting the most bang for their buck and who is being let down at the pump?

According to the Commerce Commission’s new fuel monitoring report, it’s bad luck for the capital, with Wellington reported to be paying the most for fuel in the country – ouch.

Not far behind are Porirua and Lower Hutt, joining Wellington in paying the most for pumping 91, premium and diesel into their vehicles.

Auckland, may not have the cheapest prices either, but locals should keep an eye on their local petrol stations because the report showed up to a whopping 31-cent difference per litre around the country’s largest city.

Commission Chair, John Small said: “There may be a 20-30 cent difference in what you pay at one station compared with another down the road, and that’s a discount worth having – it all adds up.”

The commission believes Aucklanders could save around $264 for 91 and up to $348 for premium per year. But what about the rest of the country?

I think your wallet may thank you for taking the time to compare the prices.

“If consumers more actively shop around, competition is likely to increase amongst suppliers to help drive down prices,” said Small on what it’s worth checking for the lowest pricing in your area.

He also said the fuel price comparison app, Gaspy, could help customers to find the cheapest fuel closest to them.

When it comes to who gets the most bang for their buck Christchurch and Tauranga are in luck and also the Central North Island!!

You know that small (and I mean, tiny) destination on SH1 between Taupo and Tokoroa called Atimuri? There’s a dodgy as hell looking motel/pub that truckies stop at, a rest area where the Maori legend “Hatupatu and the Birdwomen” comes from (google it – freaky stuff – and a hole in the rock to prove it), along with a GULL self-serve gas station. THAT, my friends, is the gas station of your wallets dreams and one of if not the cheapest gas stations in the country!

So, there you have it. ALWAYS full/fuel up when passing Atiamuri on SH1. It’s 100% worth it!