Tips for Saving on Fuel During the Current Crisis
With fuel prices surging due to the largest oil supply disruption in global history, Australians are finding creative ways to save money at the pump. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused fuel prices to rise by 39 per cent in the past month, according to the NSW Government’s FuelCheck website. This increase has prompted many Aussies to share their top tips for saving on petrol.
The 7-Eleven Hack
One popular method involves using the 7-Eleven app, which allows users to lock in fuel prices. The servo giant honours up to 25 cents of the cost, making it a great way to save. A Reddit user shared a photo of a receipt from a 7-Eleven in Victoria showing a $3 discount on a 50-litre diesel fill-up. They also used fuel perks in the Wilson Parking app to further reduce their costs. If your local 7-Eleven is already the cheapest option, the Wilson discount can be a useful backup.
Costco Hack
Aussie woman Tash shared a clever Costco hack in a TikTok video. She suggested that anyone living near a Costco should sign up for a membership to take advantage of its cheaper fuel. Tash noted that she usually fills up with unleaded 91 and found that her local price was $2.15, but at Costco, it was $1.98. She also recommended downloading FuelMap Australia, which provides real-time fuel prices at service stations across the country.
Change Your Driving Style
Driving smoothly can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Constant speeding up and slowing down increases fuel use because of more frequent braking and acceleration. Andrea Matthews from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria advised against heavy throttle use and excessive acceleration. She also suggested using cruise control if available, as it helps maintain a steady speed with less braking and accelerating.
Proper Tyre Maintenance
Properly inflated and maintained tyres help reduce fuel consumption. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, potentially raising fuel consumption by two per cent, according to the NRMA. Maintaining proper tyre pressure also extends their lifespan. Regular wheel alignment checks (once a year) ensure tyres last as long as possible.
Reduce Weight by Removing Roof Racks
Clearing unnecessary items from your car and boot can help save fuel. According to the NRMA, a car loaded to its maximum weight can increase fuel consumption by 24 per cent. Removing roof racks is especially beneficial, as they increase drag and make the car less aerodynamic, leading to higher fuel consumption.
Use Your Air Conditioner Less
When driving at lower speeds, turning off the air conditioner and rolling down the windows can save fuel around suburban streets. However, this strategy is not recommended on highways, where open windows increase drag and resistance. If you need to use the air conditioner, using the recirculate mode can help reduce fuel consumption by cooling the same air repeatedly instead of drawing in hot air from outside.
Additional Fuel-Saving Hacks
Other methods include carpooling with neighbours, working from home one day a week, using pedal-assisted e-bikes for short trips, and swapping one weekly journey for public transport. These strategies are becoming increasingly popular as thousands of Australians call for a mandated right to work from home amid rising fuel prices.
Up to 82 per cent of full-time workers want employers to be required to offer work-from-home arrangements wherever possible, according to Green.com.au. In response to the growing crisis, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has established an emergency fuel-supply taskforce led by former Australian Energy Regulator boss Anthea Harris. Albanese stated, “Our fuel supply is currently secure. However, I want us to be over-prepared.”
