Ten smart ways to help you save on fuel

The price of fuel has increased in South Africa.

As of Wednesday, 7 April 2021, South Africans are now forking out between R1 and 95 cents more per litre of petrol.

The price of 95 (ULP and LRP) increased by R1 while the price of 93 (ULP and LRP) increased by 95 cents a litre.

Diesel 0.05% increased by 65 cents per litre, while Diesel 0.005% increased by 63 cents per litre. 

These prices don’t include the fuel tax hike.

In his budget speech in February, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni announced that the General Fuel Levy will have a 15c per litre increase while Road Accident Fund Levy will have an 11c per litre increase.

According to Business Tech, filling a 50 litre tank of fuel (95 octane) will cost R866 and R855 for 93 octane, which means you will pay R313 towards taxes every time you fill up in South Africa. 

South Africans have shared their frustrations over the increased petrol price. 

Below are some of their comments.

Ten fuel-saving tips

There are certain things motorists can do that could help them save on fuel. Let's look at some tips. 

-        It is important that you take your car for a service when it is due. Maintenance and routine servicing will help you save on petrol.

-        According to shell.co.za, every extra pound or kilo can affect your fuel efficiency, therefore keep your boot and back seat clear of unnecessary items that can add weight to your vehicle.

-        Switch off your engine when you are parked or have stopped for over 10 seconds.

-        If you are driving a manual car, note that the higher gear you drive in, the lower your engine speed is, which can improve fuel efficiency, states shell.co.za.

-        Speed not only kills, but it can also cause your car to consume more fuel.

-        Correctly inflated tyres reduce drag on the road, improving your overall fuel economy.

-        Use premium quality fuel.

-        Hard acceleration and braking use much more fuel than when you accelerate gently.

-        According to sasol.com, it is better to drive with your windows closed because open windows increase the aerodynamic drag of your car, especially at higher speeds.

-       Sasol.com also advice that you use your air conditioner sparingly, because your car’s air conditioning system is driven by the engine, and using it puts an additional load on the engine.

Image courtesy of iStock/ @Koonsiri Boonnak