Drivers need to brace themselves for the steep petrol price increase that will add significant pressure to every household's budget plan.
IOL reported that the latest information from the Central Energy Fund indicates potential petrol price increases of between R3.12 for 95 Unleaded and R2.83 for 93 Unleaded. Diesel costs are projected to rise by between R2.73 for 500ppm and R3.13 for 50ppm.
These predicted hikes will see all fuel types breaking new price records, with 95 Unleaded petrol expected to reach around R29.17 at the coast and R30.04 in Gauteng, with 93 Unleaded rising to around R29.75.
While the petrol price increases are beyond our control, with these few smart driving and insurance tweaks, you can stop them from draining your wallet.
Adopt fuel-efficient driving habits
Immediate savings begin beyond the wheel. The International Energy Agency says driving slower, for example at 10km per hour, drastically helps reduce petrol use while keeping our roads safe.
Make sure your tyres are properly inflated, and avoid speeding to ensure your engine operates efficiently, squeezing maximum mileage from every litre.
Optimise trips and explore carpooling
The most direct way to avoid fuel expenses is by spending less time on the road.
One can do so by cramming all errands into one trip or working from home when possible. For daily commuters, carpooling presents an effective way to split fuel, parking, and maintenance costs.
However, carpool participants must take insurance implications into account:
- Driver records: ensure that the primary driver listed on the policy matches the person driving the most to prevent claim disputes.
- Financial contributions: Passenger contributions should only cover operational costs without exceeding official travel allowance limits; excess charges could be classified as commercial activity, requiring specialized cover.
Re-evaluate your auto insurance cover
If you're driving 15 000km a year because you have stacked all your errands into one trip or work from home when you can, your risk of getting into a car accident is dropped.
Check with your insurer, as some companies reward this lower risk by cutting your monthly premiums. If you insure both your house and car through the same company, oftentimes you will receive discounts, saving you up to 25% overall.
By combining mindful driving habits, strategic trip planning, and periodic insurance reviews, motorists can effectively protect their wallets against ongoing fuel hikes.