The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is calling on people not to blame petrol companies and people working behind the counter for the skyrocketing cost of fuel.
MTA energy and environment sector manager Ian Baggott says while it's understandable motorists feel frustrated - the increasing prices are often out of the fuel companies' control.
Baggott believes 91 octane could reach $3 per litre this year and urged people not to blame the petrol company or its workers - pointing the finger at the part the Government plays.
"Many motorists don't realise that the biggest chunk of the cost [of petrol] - 52 PERCENT - is made up of taxes such as fuel excise duty, the emission trading scheme levy and GST," Baggott said.
"Another 37 percent is made up of production and shipping costs."
The MTA's comments come as petrol prices last week crossed $3 per litre at some stores.
"All indications are that due to the rising cost of crude and the weak Kiwi dollar, prices are likely to continue rising here," Baggott said.
According to price-tracking app Gaspy, 91 petrol prices in Auckland are approaching $2.90 per litre - with Z Greenlane charging $2.88 on Tuesday.
"There is certainly a possibility that we will see $3 a litre for 91," said Baggott.
"We would ask motorists to remember that to a very large extent, these increases are beyond the fuel companies' control.
"Don't give the attendant an earful when you're getting a tankful."
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern believes the runaway fuel prices are largely due to international factors - and on Tuesday ruled out lowering the petrol excise duty.
"Obviously, we're in an international market at the moment where there's a lot of compounding factors," she told Three's morning show AM.
