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The price of petrol has hit a record high after petrol companies increased their prices overnight, but the AA says the hike is unjustified.
Most of the major suppliers have raised the price of 91 octane petrol by 3 cents to $2.21.9c a litre, or $2.28 a litre for premium.
Since March 22 the price of regular unleaded petrol had been equal with the previous record of $2.19 a litre, reached in 2008.
AA Spokesman Mark Stockdale told ONE News he was surprised by the move.
"I think motorists are going to be a little bit confused because they've seen the exchange rate has increased over the past few weeks and if anything they'd expect petrol prices to come down," he said.
"From the AA's point of view we don't believe the price increase is justified."
Petrol companies say the price of refined fuel had risen more quickly than the exchange rate, forcing the price increase. They told ONE News it is simply too difficult for them to continue absorbing costs.
However the price of crude oil did fall overnight, but that needs to be a long-term trend before a flow-on effect occurs.
Mark Hill from Shackel Motor Company in Wellington says he is expecting increased demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles.
"We've got to think more about smaller cars, [otherwise] it's going to just hit them in the pocket."
He says his second-hand car yard sees a surge of customers after every petrol price rise, as motorists downsize to save money.
According to AA PetrolWatch, the price of petrol has risen 21 cents per litre, or 10%, this year.
It costs the average motorist between $9-15 more to fill up a car now compared to the start of the year. For the owner of a small car travelling 14,000km, that equates to an extra $190 a year, or over $340 a year for a large car.
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