Yet another fuel price increase – now what?
The fuel price is up R1.21 for petrol and R1.48 for diesel and I guess, that R20 per litre by Xmas is glaring at all of us.
What can we do about it?
Nothing much other than changing our driving habits. This may be easier for individuals than for companies though.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert says, “This is one of the most significant petrol price increases South Africa has faced in some time. Whether you’re an individual or a company it is bound to affect your pocket. For companies, it increases the price of delivery which then trickles down to the consumer. Now consumers are paying more for both goods and petrol.”
“Consequently, the importance of keeping fuel consumption in mind whenever you drive is essential. MasterDrive is sharing 10 tips to remind South African drivers about reducing fuel consumption as they face these higher petrol prices, especially just before the holiday season as well.”
1. Ensure your vehicle’s maintenance is up-to-date. Not replacing certain parts in your car can considerably affect fuel consumption.
2. Maintaining an adequate following distance and watching 12 seconds ahead helps save fuel as you have more time to react to traffic. You can then slow down and potentially avoid coming to a complete stop.
3. Keeping your revs between 2 500r/min and 3 500r/min can reduce your petrol consumption by up to 20%. In diesel vehicles, the r/min can be as low as 2 000.
4. Something else that can contribute to a 20% reduction is keeping your speed low. Travelling at a reduced speed, where possible, has shown to also play a role in reducing fuel consumption.
5. Avoid costly behaviours behind the wheel such as driving aggressively.
6. Using your aircon judiciously and making sure that open windows do not add to increased wind resistance will also help.
7. Plan your routes. Plenty of petrol can be wasted by not making your route as efficient as possible.
8. Avoid driving with unnecessary items in your car that add to the weight of the vehicle.
9. Avoid idling for longer than 30 seconds.
10. Ensure tyres are properly inflated. Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption.
We cannot predict or control the fuel price but as a wise man once said: “Work with what you have, where you are”.
Thus, if you have fuel in your tank, be grateful and do whatever is required to stretch its reach.
Photos: MotorPress
