Whangarei woman Sally Elson keeps an eye on the price of petrol at BP Riverside Drive, and was shocked when she saw a leap from $2.03 per litre to $2.20 per litre for 91 petrol in a fortnight.
BP communications manager Jonty Mills said the huge disparity in price isnoticed by customers because Whangarei is a "hot spot" and the Riverside Drive station had previously priced its fuel with a discount.
"There is a very competitive local market, so people will have seen a lot of activity in that area in the last week," Mr Mills said.
The national price of petrol has risen seven cents in a month. However, Whangarei locals have noticed an extra hike due to BP offering a competitive $2.03 per litre when the national average was $2.09 per litre.
"While the national average was $2.09, that particular location was selling at six cents below the average," Mr Mills said.