UAE: Top tips to save on petrol costs as fuel prices increase

Retail fuel prices in the UAE reached an all-time high this month after authorities increased prices by 50 fils per litre from April 1.

With Super 98 costing Dh3.75 per litre, Special 95 at Dh3.62 and E-Plus 91 at Dh3.55 in April 2022, this is the highest-ever price since the UAE announced deregulation of local retail fuel prices in August 2015. The prices have more than doubled since the UAE dropped subsidies and aligned local retail fuel prices with the international crude rates. The prices have substantially increased since February due to Ukraine-Russia military conflict.

Below are some of the tips shared by Thomas Edelmann, managing director of Road Safety UAE, on how motorists in the country can cut fuel costs:

Mind your driving style

•Avoid revving up on short distances (e.g. to the next red light, etc.)

•Display a smooth and defensive driving style (that is, stay alert and anticipate dangerous situations on the road)

•Avoid hard braking

•Drive at a constant speed and use cruise control when possible

Maintain your vehicle well

•Check tyres and proper tyre pressure

•Keep up with engine maintenance (air filter, thermostats, fuel injectors, ignition system, etc.)

Don’t run your engine unnecessarily

•Especially in confined areas like garages or underground parking to avoid toxic exhaust fumes

•If you must wait and need A/C, opt to find a place to do so indoors

Car utilisation

• Drive the car type/size and engine size that suits your needs (bigger cars and stronger engines typically consume more fuel and are less easy to drive)

•Consider car sharing/rotation (for example, on daily commutes)

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com