The NRMA says at up to 30 cents a litre more than Sydney ,  South Coast and Southern Highlands motorists are paying far too much for fuel.

The motoring organisation says while there has been a slight fall at some outlets in the last week, and a small additional component for transport is acceptable,  such a huge price differentiation can not be justified.

According to the latest NRMA " bowser buster "  survey Moss Vale ranks 7th on the list of towns and cities in New South Wales for the cheapest petrol,  while Nowra comes in at 46th.

Bega and Parkes'  petrol is 5 cents a litre cheaper than Nowra, which is much closer to the main fuel distribution points in Sydney than its far southern and western counterparts.

NRMA President Wendy Machin says there needs to be a lot more diversification in the industry.

George Parker from North Nowra who has researched petrol prices says based on international fluctuations, locals should be paying about $1.23 a litre, not around $1.50 or more.