How to Save Money on Petrol? – Tips
In 2020, petrol prices in the UK averaged around 130 pence per litre. However, diesel typically cost more, averaging at 138 pence per litre. An intriguing fact is that the cheapest petrol could be found on the Orkney Islands, where it cost 110 pence per litre.
When breaking down the cost of petrol, taxes such as VAT and fuel duty make up about 62% of the total price. Specifically, fuel duty is pegged at 57.95 pence per litre, while VAT stands at 20%.
Typically, a tank of petrol costs about £60 in the UK. It’s worth remembering that the cost of petrol isn’t solely determined by the price of crude oil, which makes up only 30% of the cost. The remaining 70% consists of taxes and other costs. Savvy petrol buyers can take measures to cut down on these costs. For example, shopping around to find the best petrol prices can save up to 10 pence per litre, while making use of supermarket loyalty schemes can save an additional 15 pence per litre.
Remember that there are over 14,000 petrol stations in the UK, each offering different petrol prices. Be curious and take the time to find the one that’s best suited to your budget.
What are some common driving habits that waste petrol?
Many of us unintentionally adopt driving habits that can actually lead to increased fuel consumption, creating a negative impact on our pocket and environment. By recognizing these habits, you can modify your behavior behind the wheel to save on petrol costs. Let’s delve into some of these habits:
Aggressive Driving and Excessive Speed
Aggressive driving habits such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking are the top fuel-wasting behaviors. Such driving habits can lower your gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. Imagine the amount of petrol – and money – you could save by adopting a calmer, smoother approach to your driving.
Idling For Extended Periods
Idling your car for more than one minute tends to consume more petrol than restarting your vehicle. Many of us believe it’s necessary to warm up our cars by letting them idle before driving, especially in colder weather. With modern engines, this is largely unnecessary. By reducing idle time, you’re already on your way to conserving fuel and money.
Overloading the Vehicle
Carrying excessive weight in your vehicle can significantly impact fuel efficiency. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by about 1%. The reduction is relative to the vehicle’s weight: Smaller vehicles are more affected than larger ones. So, it’s time to clear out that trunk!
Ignoring Regular Vehicle Maintenance
A well-maintained car is directly proportional to better fuel efficiency. Neglecting necessary maintenance such as oil changes, tire pressures checks and replacements of air filters could reduce your fuel economy substantially. Regular professional servicing and maintenance keep your car running efficiently, thereby saving you from unnecessary petrol costs.
Identifying and altering these common fuel-wasting driving habits can lead to significant savings on petrol. It’s not just about saving money – it’s about reducing your environmental impact, keeping your vehicle in good shape, and becoming a more responsible driver.
Does Cruise Control Help You Save Fuel?
Yes. Using cruise control can help you save fuel by reducing the acceleration and deceleration of your car. It also ensures that your car isn’t over-revving when trying to keep up with the traffic ahead of you.
How Do I Get the Most Out of My Vehicle?
When you drive, beware of road signs that tell you to maintain a certain speed for a given distance. Whether there is traffic on the road or not, it will be wise to maintain your average speed until you are out of the speed restriction zone to avoid fines. Remember, Big Brother is always watching you!
Don’t just go as fast as your car allows you. Most drivers think they will cover more distances simultaneously if they drive faster, but this is rarely true. If you accelerate quickly, your engine must work harder. Accelerating quickly also uses more fuel. Besides, congestion and traffic lights have a way of slowing you down.
You may think you need a high gear to get around an obstacle quickly, but this is not always the case. With a lower-gear approach to the obstacle will get you there safely, and you may use less fuels too.
Driving at a consistent speed of 55 mph can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%.
Are there any government initiatives or programs that help save money on petrol?
Indeed, government initiatives and programs often provide avenues for petrol savings that you might not have considered. Governments worldwide understand the need to encourage more sustainable and pocket-friendly fuel practices among consumers. Below, we highlight some of these initiatives:
Subsidies and Rebates
Subsidies on fuel-efficient vehicles and rebates on the use of alternative fuels are common means through which governments help citizens save. While these measures do not directly reduce the price of petrol, they encourage the use of vehicles that consume less fuel or use alternative energy sources. For instance, you might get a subsidy or tax rebate on buying a hybrid or electric vehicle. If you can afford the initial investment and your lifestyle suits such vehicles, this option can result in significant long-term savings on petrol.
Fuel Price Regulation
Some governments directly control and regulate fuel prices to prevent excessive price hikes and ensure availability at reasonable rates. These measures, where present, can bring relief to consumers by keeping the price of petrol within a certain range. Keep in mind, however, that the effectiveness of these measures varies across regions.
Public Transport Initiatives
Many governments focus on improving public transport systems to provide citizens with an efficient and affordable alternative to personal car use. Availing yourself of such services whenever possible can save a significant amount of your money on petrol in the long run, reduce road congestion, and contribute to fewer carbon emissions for a healthier environment.
Alternative Fuel Programs
More and more governments are promoting alternative fuels, such as biofuels, natural gas, and electric energy. These initiatives often include financial incentives to switch from petrol, making the alternative more beneficial in the long run due to the lower running costs.
For example, the U.S. Department of Energy runs the Alternative Fuel Data Center that provides comprehensive information on alternative fuels, the related tax incentives, and even a list of local stations that sell such fuels.
Car-pooling and Ride Sharing Programs
Some local governments and municipalities promote car-pooling and ride-sharing schemes. When you share a ride with others, you divide the petrol cost per head. It’s an immediate and very tangible way to save on petrol, and you might do a little networking on the way too!
In summing up, take advantage of any government-led initiatives available in your region to save money on petrol. These are effective ways to reduce your fuel bill while also contributing to environmental conservation. Remember, every little bit adds up to substantial savings over time!
Carpooling with one other person can cut fuel costs in half.
Quick Fire Stats
1. In the UK, the average cost of petrol per litre is 130 pence in 2020.
2. Diesel is typically more expensive than petrol, with an average cost of 138 pence per litre in 2020.
3. The cheapest petrol in the UK can be found in the Orkney Islands, costing 110 pence per litre.
4. 62% of the cost of petrol in the UK is made up of taxes, including VAT and fuel duty.
5. Fuel duty in the UK stands at 57.95 pence per litre, and VAT is 20%.
6. In the UK, the most expensive petrol can be found in London, where it costs up to 162 pence per litre.
7. The Department for Transport estimates that the average car will travel 8,473 miles per year in 2020.
8. Upgrading to a car with lower fuel emissions can save as much as £250 annually in fuel costs.
9. The average fuel economy for a petrol car is 48.7 MPG, while the average fuel economy for a diesel car is 51.7 MPG.
10. Engaging in ‘eco-driving’ practices such as moderating speed, avoiding sudden acceleration, and utilising cruise control can improve fuel economy by up to 20%.
11. The level of driving skill can also impact fuel economy by up to 35%.
12. Keeping tyres inflated to the recommended pressure level can improve fuel economy by up to 3.3%.
13. Using premium fuel, rather than the standard grade, does not improve fuel economy.
14. Driving with the windows down increases drag and can decrease fuel economy by up to 10%.
15. Driving with an unauthorised roof-box increases drag and can decrease fuel economy by up to 25%.
16. The average cost of a tank of petrol is £60.
17. On average, 30% of the cost of petrol is made up of crude oil, with the remaining 70% made up of taxes and costs.
18. Shopping around for the best petrol prices can save up to 10 pence per litre.
19. Using supermarket loyalty schemes can save up to 15 pence per litre.
20. There are over 14,000 petrol stations in the UK offering varying prices.
Driving during off-peak hours can help avoid traffic congestion and save fuel.
Conclusion
By following these expert tips, you can effectively save money on petrol without sacrificing your driving experience. Focus on maintaining your vehicle, adopting fuel-efficient driving habits, planning your trips wisely, choosing a fuel-efficient car, and using fuel price comparison tools to find the best deals. With these strategies in place, you’ll be well on your way to reducing your petrol expenses and keeping more money in your wallet.
How to Save Money on Petrol
Perry Stevens is the founder of BIGPriceDrops and a long-time digital marketer with a practical interest in helping UK shoppers find better value online. He focuses on clear, no-nonsense money-saving content, Amazon UK deal insights, and buyer guides that help readers spot genuine savings without falling for misleading discounts or impulse-buy traps.
When he is not working on BIGPriceDrops, Perry runs Blend Local Search Marketing and works on digital projects covering SEO, AI tools, and online business growth. His approach is simple: help people make smarter decisions before they spend their money.
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