Petrol and diesel prices have been pushed higher due to the Iran war – but here is how to make your car more fuel-efficient
Drivers have been clobbered with higher fuel prices since the start of the Iran war – but there are still ways to bring your costs down.
The latest data from the RAC shows the average price of unleaded petrol was 157.22p per litre on Friday, and 189.59p per litre for diesel.
This is down from a peak of 158.3p per litre for petrol and 191.5p per litre for diesel on April 15. These represented increases of 25.5p and 49.2p respectively since the start of the war on February 28.
Pump prices surged following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of global petroleum and 20% of liquified natural gas travels through.
But the RAC said fuel price cuts are not keeping pace with reductions in wholesale costs.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Pump prices aren’t falling at the rate that our analysis of wholesale data indicates they should.
“The fact the price of oil went back above 100 US dollars on Wednesday – having been below that mark for 10 days – is no doubt cause for concern for retailers.
“Despite this, the cost of both fuels on the wholesale market is still lower than it has been, particularly so for diesel – so drivers really ought to see some cheaper prices at the forecourts in the coming days.”
In its ultimate guide published on the RAC website, the motoring group has shared tips for how to make your car more fuel-efficient.
Service your vehicle: It is important to get your car regularly serviced as this can pick up issues that can affect the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, such as worn spark plugs. It also allows you to keep on top of oil and air filter changes, both of which can affect fuel efficiency.
Check your tyre pressure: Keeping your tyres at the recommended pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption by creating higher rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder.
Watch your speed: The more you accelerate, the more fuel your car uses. It is better for fuel consumption to sit below the speed limit of the road you are driving on, rather than driving right at the limit.
Accelerate and brake carefully: When you do accelerate, do it as gradually as possible – and work through your gears until you reach the highest one for the speed you are doing. The same goes for braking – always do this as delicately as possible by not leaving it until the last minute.
Drive at a consistent speed: Driving at a constant speed is good for fuel consumption – this is where cruise control can come in handy, but only if you’re on a flat road, such as a motorway.
Clear your car: Get rid of extra weight, which can drag down your car and make it less fuel-efficient, by emptying your boot of anything unnecessary and clearing your roof rack.
Cut down on journeys if you can: If you walk instead, or car share, this is one of the best ways to save fuel. The less you can use your car, the more you will save.
