With many Australians preparing to get away for the Easter holidays, drivers are being told there's no need to pay top dollar for premium fuel before they hit the road. NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury says many drivers are paying on average 23 cents per litre more to buy premium 98 fuel, despite their vehicles only requiring E10 or regular unleaded. The price difference between E10 and premium 98 is at a record three-year high, with the gap widening by almost six cents in the past decade. Oil prices plummeted as a result of the COVID pandemic last year, causing prices at the bowser to fall but the NRMA says the volume of Premium 98 sold increased. With world oil prices now returned to pre-COVID levels, Mr Khoury is encouraging drivers to refrain from filling up with expensive brands. "Prices in Sydney are falling ...so it's important for motorists to buy at the right time to save at the bowser," he said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, NSW Roads Minister Andrew Constance is warning drivers that some roads are still closed after last week's widespread and damaging floods. "It is likely that some road closures will be in place for several weeks," he said. Police will also be out in force on NSW roads over the Easter long weekend, targeting drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving. Double-demerit points will apply for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences from Thursday until Monday. "Almost half of all fatalities on our roads last year involved excessive speeding, and each one of those deaths was preventable," Mr Constance said. Average petrol prices across Australia's capital cities are: * Perth - $126.1 * Sydney - $133.2 * Adelaide - $138.0 and rising * Melbourne - $146.1 and rising * Brisbane - $164.3 at the high point Australian Associated Press
