Australian motorists are enjoying limited relief at the bowser after petrol prices sank in major capitals over the weekend, creating an opportunity to fill up for less before the Easter break.

Average petrol prices across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have fallen 4.8 per cent over the past week from $2.12 a litre to $2.02, according to the latest data from fuel tracking firm MotorMouth.

Bowsers in Sydney have plunged from a high of about $2.16 earlier this month to about $1.91 on Sunday, while motorists in Melbourne have seen prices fall from a peak of $2.22 down to $2.08.

In Brisbane motorists are paying about $2.07 a litre, down from the $2.27 seen in early March.

Nationally, retail petrol prices have fallen 2.2 per cent on average to 200.5 cents per litre (CPL) over the past week, according to separate Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP) figures published on Monday.

In historical terms these petrol prices are still relatively expensive, but the falls are good news for motorists before the Easter long weekend, with many families heading out on road trips.

It’s unclear whether prices will bottom out and begin rising again towards the end of the week, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advising motorists that petrol prices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane could be set to fall further.

“Prices are decreasing and may decrease further,” the ACCC said in its latest guidance for motorists in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

“Motorists looking to buy petrol can shop around for the lowest prices.”

Source: MotorMouth (click to enlarge).

Outside of the three major capitals and their market cycles, petrol prices are hovering in the mid $1.80 to low $1.90 range in smaller cities, including Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin.

That level has been relatively stable throughout March.

In Perth, where prices are regulated on a consistent cycle, bowsers are peaking about $2.07 a litre, according to MotorMouth data.

Prices should, however, fall again in the coming days.

Saving on petrol over Easter

Motorists looking to save before Easter will want to research prices ahead of time in their destination and compare them to current trends in major cities.

This can be done with one of myriad fuel comparison phone applications, which will provide real-time data about petrol prices not just in your area, but what servos are charging where you’re going.

The NRMA is forecasting petrol prices to decline further in Sydney this week, suggesting those who fill up before they leave for any long weekend road trips will be able to access the biggest savings.

“Average regular unleaded prices in Sydney should range between 217 cents per litre (at the high point of the current cycle) and 183 cents per litre (at the low point of the cycle),” the motoring organisation said in its latest report.

But it’s also possible that service stations will begin hiking prices in anticipation of higher demand over the break, so keep a close eye on how bowsers are trending to avoid getting caught out.