OPINION: Tasmanian motorists are already feeling the pain of higher fuel prices and we are seeing early signs there might be another increase in the weeks ahead.
For most of us, filling up is becoming a bigger and bigger expense.
I share the frustration of watching international events drive up prices at the bowser, knowing there is little we can do to change what is happening overseas.
This is an opinion piece written for Pulse by RACT CEO Mark Mugnaioni.
We’ll keep pushing government and industry for greater transparency and relief on behalf of Tasmanian motorists where it’s possible, but there are practical things motorists can do now to reduce what they spend on fuel.
How you drive can matter just as much as what you drive.
Smoother acceleration and braking (leaving enough space between you and the car in front of you), using cruise control on open roads, keeping your tyres at the recommended pressure and removing unnecessary weight from your vehicle can improve fuel economy by around 15%.
At $2.22 a litre, that improvement is equivalent to paying around $1.90 a litre in terms of the fuel you use. That’s a saving of about 32 cents a litre without changing vehicles.
For the average Tasmanian driver, that could mean more than $500 a year in savings at a time when household budgets are already under pressure.
There are also a few other simple things I’d suggest.
Plan your trips so you can combine errands rather than making several separate trips. Take roof racks off when you’re not using them and turn off the air conditioning when the weather is cooler.
Reset your trip meter after filling up and see whether changes to your driving habits are making a difference.
The AAA’s Real-World Testing Program is also a useful resource for understanding the fuel savings different vehicles can deliver.
It also pays to shop around for your fuel as prices can vary between service stations, even in the same area.
The RACT app helps motorists find the lowest prices nearby and our fuel discount program is another simple way members can save.
We support the federal government using the levers available to provide cost-of-living relief for motorists.
However, as we have seen in the past, measures such as cutting fuel excise are temporary.
They can provide some relief, but they don’t address the underlying volatility of international fuel markets.
Whatever governments decide, I’d encourage motorists to focus on the things they can control right now.
I’d also urge Tasmanians to only buy the fuel they need, when they need it and not to stockpile fuel.
Stockpiling might feel like a safeguard, but it isn’t something I would recommend.
Fuel is hazardous and highly combustible and storing large quantities in a home garage isn’t safe.
Panic buying can also make the problem worse. Fuel stations place orders based on what they expect to sell, so unexpected spikes in demand can leave a station short.
This can mean the station needs to order a special delivery to make up the shortfall, which is often more expensive and can further drive-up prices.
Buying only what you need helps make sure there’s enough for everyone else.
Fuel also has a limited shelf life of around three months, so stockpiling is not an effective solution to current price increases.
Give these tips a go and see what difference they make. You might be surprised how much you can save without changing the car you drive.
