The prices at the pump have reached eye-watering levels, adding more pressure to those facing a financial squeeze in the cost of living crisis. The cost of filling up a typical family car has now broken the £100 barrier, adding to the woes caused by rising energy prices as well as higher costs for food.
No surprisingly, many people will be looking at ways to save money from their petrol costs. Is my journey necessary, and how can I find the 'cheapest' fuel where I live, will be questions on many drivers' minds.
Below, the PA news agency looks at 10 questions on the issue.
Where should I fill up?
Supermarket forecourts are generally the cheapest sites to buy fuel.
They usually charge around 4p per litre below average UK prices.
How should I drive?
Driving as smoothly as possible will maximise your car’s fuel efficiency.
That means accelerating gently and avoiding excessive speed and heavy braking.
Many cars are most efficient when driven between 45mph and 50mph.
What about hills?
Gain momentum by accelerating a little before you reach them, then ease off as you drive up.
What should I do with my roof box?
Take your roof bars and box off when you are not using them, as they create wind resistance which increases fuel consumption.
Empty roof racks add 16% drag when driving at 75mph, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Does a car’s air conditioning and heating use fuel?
Yes, so if possible keep them turned off or on low.
What should be in my car?
Reduce excess weight. Remove items from your boot if you do not need them for a particular journey.
Do tyres matter?
Check your tyres are inflated to the pressure stated in your owner’s manual.
Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres cut fuel economy.
Should I combine journeys?
Warm engines are more efficient than cold ones, so making one round trip is better for fuel efficiency than several short journeys, even though the mileage could be the same.
Do you have to drive?
Consider walking or cycling rather than driving for short journeys.
Why is fuel so expensive?
Pump prices began to soar as the cost of oil increased following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
The price of oil is continuing to rise due to increased demand for fuel across the world as China eases its coronavirus restrictions and the US and Europe enter the peak summer driving season.
