New Zealanders should brace for petrol prices possibly topping three dollars this year

AA principal policy adviser Terrence Collins says prices are already near record levels - and likely to increase over the next 12 months.

The Gaspy fuel tracker app shows unleaded 91's averaging two dollars 51 - up seven cents from a month ago.

Collins says factors driving the upward trend include a steady increase in demand - as businesses worldwide get back to full steam.