As many of you with a pulse are aware – petrol is speedily approaching R12 a litre. What’s worse is that Economists are already predicting the next fuel increase. The rocketing fuel price is wreaking havoc across the country, maiming businesses and pushing many households into financial misery.
Minister of Energy Dipuo Peters during a Pretoria press briefing on the rising fuel prices.
With fuel prices rocketing to the highest level yet, the Department of Energy has acknowledged that the adjustment will have a negative effect on most South Africans but claims that it was out of their hands.
What does this mean for consumers?
Well I for one, I’m going to need to hike to work and if that reaches FAIL status, I will have to resort to crawling. For many consumers there will not be much light at the end of the tunnel with the substantial increases. So many families are battling to make ends meet and, as a result of these hefty price hikes, will have to face the ripple effect on consumer goods in months to come. The South African consumer has nowhere to hide, they have no recourse. They are looking at a bumpy 2012 ahead, with the cost of living soaring out of reach.
What is the solution?
Remember the days when putting R100 worth or fuel into your tank either filled it or lasted a good week? With the rising fuel prices it seems impossible that there is anything we can do to save petrol. The average South African spends between R1000 and R1800 per month on petrol and with the rising prices this makes a considerable dent in one’s budget. However, there are ways you can lower your consumption.
· Press down gently when accelerating. Imagine there is an egg between your foot and the accelerator and press the pedal accordingly. As much fun as going from 0-100km per hour in less than 10 seconds is, it a lot of fuel and you certainly won’t save petrol driving like this.
· If the traffic light is red start slowing down early instead of racing up to it and slamming on your brakes. While the question “does coasting save petrol” gets asked a lot, this is one instance where leaving it in gear and easing up to the light definitely does. And this means that you won’t need to get your brakes changed too often either.
· Ensure that you are in the correct gear for the speed that you are doing. Driving at high speeds in low gears is not going to save petrol; in fact it uses up to 45% more fuel than is actually required.
· Ensure that your tyres are properly inflated. As they lose air the car becomes more difficult to move which means that more petrol is used.
· Use the air-conditioner sparingly and you will see a decrease of up to 20% in consumption, which means that ultimately you will save money on petrol.
· If you can afford it, buy a more economical car such as one with a diesel or hybrid engine as these are known to save or at least use less petrol.
By making simple changes to your driving style and habits you can do a lot to save petrol and cope with the rising fuel price increases.
I hope this is useful guys.
-S
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