Petrol and diesel prices in Pretoria are set to rise further in February, as the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows a continued negative trend for fuel price recoveries.

Compared to December, a weaker rand and higher oil prices are pushing prices even higher, with petrol showing an under-recovery of around 90 cents per litre.

Diesel prices have also increased by more than R1.00, with prices now between 11 and 16 cents per litre worse than earlier estimates. Pretoria motorists are in for more pain at the pump in the coming month.

Motorists are set to face significant fuel price hikes in February, with petrol prices rising by up to 93 cents per litre, diesel up by as much as 106 cents per litre, and illuminating paraffin increasing by 92 cents per litre, all driven by a weaker rand and higher oil prices.

• Petrol 93: increase of 93 cents per litre
• Petrol 95: increase of 86 cents per litre
• Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): increase of 106 cents per litre
• Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): increase of 104 cents per litre
• Illuminating paraffin: increase of 92 cents per litre

Les Richardson, Tepa’s vice chairperson, offers these 10 additional tips as a reminder of how easy it is to ensure you are getting the best mileage out of your tank:

1. Keep your tyres at the recommended pressure. Not only does this extend tyre life, but it keeps you and your loved ones safe on the road. Underinflated tyres cost you petrol consumption.
2. Have your wheel alignment checked every 8 000km to 10 000km. Proper alignment extends your tyre life, contributes to safer handling in an emergency and is better for fuel economy.
3. Keep your car clean and light. Every additional kilogram of unnecessary weight costs you fuel whenever you accelerate, so remove items that don’t really need to be in the vehicle.
4. Service your car at the required intervals. An optimally running engine is more fuel-efficient and knowing that your brakes and other consumable parts are working correctly will give you peace of mind. Remember your Tepa parts outlet will recommend the right part for you.
5. Check your tyres. Do you have the right ones on your car? Wider tyres may look good, but sometimes they are noisier and the increased rolling resistance increases fuel consumption.
6. Check the mileage. If your car has more than 100 000km on the odometer, consider having your catalytic converter checked as a clogged exhaust limits the free flow of gasses and affects performance and fuel economy.
7. If your vehicle has cruise control, consider using it more often as a consistent speed could save you fuel (and speeding fines).
8. Don’t think you use less fuel if you drive with your windows open and turn off the air con. The reverse is actually true as it creates additional drag, which affects your fuel economy. It is wiser to drive with the windows closed. There are other benefits too, like it is less noisy and makes you less of a target for opportunistic criminals.
9. Coasting with your car in neutral is more dangerous than keeping it in control and in gear. In fact, modern vehicles shut the fuel delivery system down or reduce the fuel when the engine is not under load, e.g. decelerating.
10. The best fuel-saving tip is to share a trip. Rather drive together to get to the same destination than each of you driving separately. Plus, it has the added bonus of making the trip more fun and interactive. And then, using a GPS app to assist with avoiding traffic congestion and plot the shortest route for you, will also save fuel.

“Apart from good fuel economy, there are many other benefits to making sure your car is in good health and in optimal working order. For starters, it will serve you better for longer and be less likely to break down. Also, regular maintenance will promote its value, making it easier to sell if you decide to do so,” concludes Premlall.

Also read: Tips to ensure motorists get the best mileage out of their tank

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