You’re not the only one, with soaring petrol prices across the Hunter mirroring similar ballooning costs across the country. 

With the price of crude oil jumping internationally, domestic Australia hasn’t been spared from an abrupt rise in costs at the pump. 

Across the Lower Hunter, unleaded petrol is retailing for as high as 159.9 c/L, with the average price in Maitland at 153.1c/L as of Sunday afternoon. 

Among the most expensive spots to refill are Caltex Rutherford and Rutherford BP, with unleaded at 159.9c/L according to the NSW Government’s Fuel Check app. 

For those looking to sneak in prices under 150c/L for unleaded, heading out to Kurri may be the best answer. 

Metro Fuel at Heddon Greta and Kurri Kurri were retailing unleaded for 143.9c/L on Sunday afternoon, the cheapest fuel on offer in the Lower Hunter region outside of Newcastle. 

At 144.9c/L, independent petrol station Quinn’s in East Maitland was also another solid option for the price-conscious motorist. 

It’s a similar story for those looking for diesel, with Quinn’s the most friendly to the hip-pocket at 146.9c/L.

United Petroleum at Beresfield is the next closest with a price of 149.9c/L for diesel on Sunday.

The difference in cost between providers has been so stark that it prompted Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Rod Sims to speak out earlier this month, following a study on fuel prices.

“The majority of consumers tend to go to the same petrol station every time they fill up,” Mr Sims said.

"This research shows it might be time to consider which station to fill up at.”

"Shopping around has the added benefit of increasing competition by putting pressure on retailers who charge the most to lower their prices or risk losing customers.”

Shoppers looking to find the best price can use a number of downloadable apps or websites to browse local figures, such as Fuel Check, MotorMouth and Petrol Spy.