Petrol prices have risen 27 per cent in some areas of Sydney But a quick search for the cheapest fuel in your area can save motorists money.

Petrol stations in the greater Sydney area have increased prices for standard unleaded petrol from around 175 cents a liter to over 210 cents a liter in the past week.

At some gas stations, however, unleaded costs 159.5 cents per liter, according to information Gasoline Spy.

With an average 55 liter fuel tank, filling up at one of the more expensive gas stations will cost you almost $30 more.

Saving just $20 a week by shopping at the best price adds up to more than $1000 a year.

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said drive Price cycles – in which fuel prices rise and fall depending on the day of the week – are unique to Australia and found in no other country.

“What you’re seeing right now in terms of hikes is driven by price cycles,” he said.

“On any given day in Sydney, the gap between the cheapest and the most expensive can be as much as 55 cents a litre.”

Despite the large price difference, the average price for Sydney unleaded lead remains at 169.8 cents per litre.

However, the national weekly average is significantly higher – it is 175.5 cents per liter for unleaded, while diesel averages 205.4 cents per liter nationally.

Both WTI and Brent crude prices remain hovering around the $80 mark and Australia’s wholesale petrol price has been stable for the past three months, according to the Australian Institute of Petroleum.