An opportunity for Adelaide motorists

Motorists in Adelaide are currently enjoying cheaper prices on unleaded petrol.

Unleaded petrol prices in Adelaide were on average 7 to 9 cents per litre less yesterday than in Sydney and Melbourne.

For the past few months, petrol prices in the five largest capital cities have generally moved in sync, varying by just a few cents. However, since Friday petrol prices in Adelaide have been significantly lower than in Sydney and Melbourne.

"It is clear that the normal petrol price cycle has collapsed this week, and Adelaide motorists could benefit by filling up during this period of heavy discounting," ACCC Commissioner Joe Dimasi said.

Daily average price in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne—8 to 20 September 2009

This graph shows the normal price cycle in operation in Adelaide, until Friday September 18, when heavy discounting took effect.