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Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Daniel Morrow & Patrick Daly

Experts issue petrol price tips as the cost of fuel continues to soar in the UK

Petrol prices have skyrocketed to record levels in recent weeks as the cost of living crisis in the UK deepens.

Data released by the RAC shows that unleaded has now reached an average cost of 187.01p per litre in the UK.

The cost of diesel has also reached 193.3p per litre.

And there are fears that the cost of fuel per litre could soar to £2 per litre for the first time ever.

As the price of petrol and diesel continues to increase at an exponential rate, drivers are looking for many ways to help reduce the costs at the pump.

The Mirror has listed some tips from experts to help save some cash at the petrol station.

How can I save money on petrol?

Keep your carload light by removing unnecessary items and even consider not filling up the entire petrol tank with fuel.

Any golf clubs, tennis rackets or gallon bottles of screen wash languishing in the vehicle could be weighing it down, making it consume more petrol or diesel.

Having a clear-out of the boot and removing that redundant roof rack could save vital pennies.

Another thing possibly adding to the work your engine has to put in? A full petrol tank. One money-conscious expert says you should consider whether you need to fill up right to the top.

Consumer journalist Andy Webb said on his Cash Chats podcast: “Don’t necessarily fill up. You don’t have to wait until it clicks every time.

"It may well be that you know you only need half a tank to get home, so only put half a tank in.

“In fact, one of the things that can help you with fuel consumption as well is weight. Sometimes it is also not a bad idea to put half the petrol into the fuel tank rather than fill it all the way up because that means it will last that little bit longer because there is less weight in the car from that fuel.”

Mr Webb, who also runs the Be Clever With Your Cash website, said it could be worth ignoring that advice if drivers find a particularly good deal on fuel, meaning it is better to fill up right to the top.

Drive slower

The harder drivers press on the accelerator, the more fuel they will be burning. It might not be popular advice with the boy racers, but driving more steadily will help to stop your wallet from emptying as fast.

You could try 'hypermiling' - the art of driving more economically by maximising the number of miles to the gallon, driving more smoothly to avoid harsh braking and excessive speeding.

The RAC says that excessive speed is the "biggest fuel-guzzling factor" and recommends driving in the highest possible gear while keeping within the speed limit in order to prevent the vehicle from overworking.

Check local petrol prices online

Prices are high everywhere, particularly on motorways, but local competition means it can be worth searching out alternatives to your regular go-to fill-up spot.

Mr Webb recommended his podcast listeners use Petrolprices.com or Confused.com to keep an eye on local prices.

But he also warns those getting behind the wheel should avoid lengthy detours if the saving is only small, otherwise the “petrol you are using to go there for these round trips probably isn’t worth it”.

Target cashback and reward points

Supermarkets can often have some of the most competitive prices at the forecourts, so it could be worth ensuring a trip for the weekly shop coincides with a pit stop at the pumps to rack up those loyalty points.

There are also cashback debit and credit cards that mean you can at least be earning some money back while grimacing at those numbers ticking up as you fill the vehicle.

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