According to Robert Maake of the Energy Department, most fuel prices would rise between R1 to R2 per litre. The retail price of petrol will increase by R1.80 and R1.14 a litre. Diesel users will suffer as a result of the midnight modifications.
“Diesel at wholesale price will increase by R1.96 and R1. 93 cents per litre and illuminating paraffin at wholesale level will increase by R1.51 cent and at retail level by R2.2 cent,” Maake stated.
Here are some tips to save fuel:
- Stick to the speed limits – Speeding is not only dangerous but also negatively affects your fuel consumption. By driving at 110 km/h instead of 120km/h, you can save on your petrol bill in the long run.
- Don’t accelerate harshly – Harsh acceleration contributes to higher fuel consumption. Rather look at pulling away from robots or stop streets slowly and gradually. Don’t overwork your engine by driving at too high revs, and if you drive an automatic car, accelerate on a light throttle for early gear changes.
- Keep your eyes on the road – By keeping your eyes on the road, and keeping a safe following distance, you can travel at a more constant speed, and avoid harsh braking. By slowing down gradually for changing robots, or stationary traffic, it’s more economical for you and your car.
- Make momentum work for you – Save some fuel by making your car’s momentum work for you. Build up speed before an uphill stretch, and when you crest a hill, take your foot off the accelerator pedal and use your car’s momentum to get you over.
- Don’t use your aircon too much – We know South African summers can be brutal, and even though using an aircon is more fuel efficient than driving with your windows down, it still increases fuel consumption. By using your aircon more judiciously, you can save fuel when driving.
