Petrol prices are expected to increase again in April, while diesel prices are projected to decrease.

The Central Energy Fund (CEF) said the mid-month data indicated that petrol prices are showing an under-recovery of around 18 cents per litre – slightly higher than last week – while diesel has an over-recovery of around 32 cents per litre.

MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert said as the colder months are approaching and potentially much higher fuel prices can be expected, people must look at how to make petrol last longer. 

Ensure you reduce the effect winter can have on your petrol consumption in the following ways:

• Tyre pressure: As temperatures drop, so does your tyre pressure, and as this decreases, so does your fuel economy. Additionally, if your area experiences slippery roads, they also become a danger. Check your tyre pressure first thing in the morning when they are coldest to get the most accurate reading if your car does not automatically monitor tyre pressure.
• Park inside: If you have a garage, avoid the temptation to leave your car out overnight. When temperatures drop, engine fluids thicken and use more energy to thin out. Parking inside reduces this effect and your petrol consumption.
• Warmups are unnecessary: as technology improves, the need to warm your car’s engine before driving has become excessive in most cars. Even if you need to warm the engine of your older model vehicle, it’s more effective to do that by driving slowly and carefully than leaving your car idling in the driveway.
• Never forget: irrespective of whether it is winter or summer, remember the important tips for reducing your petrol consumption: remove unnecessary items from your car, ensure maintenance is up-to-date, drive petrol-efficiently, and remove anything from your car that reduces its aerodynamics.
• Be prepared: If necessary, replace your air filter, particularly in older model vehicles. A dirty air filter can directly impact petrol consumption.