Petrol and diesel prices have been cut for the third time in just over a week, leaving Waikato truck companies rejoicing in the change, which "makes a huge difference."

While BP cut 3 cents from the price of regular unleaded petrol yesterday to $2.059 a litre, diesel prices dropped by 2 cents to $1.459/litre, the lowest since August. The drop will have a phenomenal impact, according to the Hamilton branch of a national company.

Troy Hillard of freight company Mainstream said they currently spend between $35,000 to $40,000 a month on diesel from the Hamilton depot alone.

For some of the bigger Mainstream trucks, it can take up to $1400 to fill one 1000 litre tank, with the smaller ones costing roughly $400 to fill.

Mr Hillard said the savings could potentially be huge, not just for Mainstream, but also their customers, who pay a fuel surcharge.

"We monitor the fuel prices from month to month, and when the price goes down, the price we pay for diesel also drops by the same percentage, which has a significant impact on our business," he said.

It seems large companies will benefit the most from the change: comments posted on the Waikato Times Facebook show it may take a bigger drop to get people smiling again.

Remarks included; "I try not to look at the price of petrol now. Far too depressing", and "When it's below $2 ... then, and only then, will I celebrate!"

- © Fairfax NZ News

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