How to Save Fuel: 12 Practical Tips After the October 2026 Petrol Hike

Last updated: 14 October 2026South African drivers took a big knock on 7 October 2026. According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, petrol 93 went up by about 312 cents a litre and petrol 95 by about 333 cents a litre. Diesel rose by roughly 284 to 324 cents a litre, depending on the grade. Prices differ by region, so check the official schedule for your area.

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You cannot control the price, but you can control how much fuel you use. Here are 12 tips that work.

Driving habits

Accelerate gently. Hard acceleration burns more fuel.
Keep a steady speed. Use cruise control on the highway where it is safe.
Look ahead. Ease off the accelerator early instead of braking late.
Avoid idling. If you will wait for more than a minute or so, switch the engine off where it is safe and legal to do so.
Do not speed. Fuel use rises quickly at higher speeds.

Car care

Check tyre pressure monthly. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel use. Use the pressure shown in your owner’s manual.
Service your car on time. A clogged air filter or worn spark plugs waste fuel.
Remove extra weight. Empty the boot of items you do not need.
Take off roof racks when you are not using them, because they increase drag.

Smarter trips

Combine errands into one trip instead of several short ones.
Share rides. Lift clubs for work and school can cut your fuel bill in half or better.
Plan your route and avoid peak traffic when you can.

Estimate your monthly saving

Step	How to work it out
Monthly fuel spend	Add up your fuel slips for the month
Possible saving	Many drivers can reduce fuel use through better habits, but results vary
Savings target	Pick a rand amount, then track it for three months

Air-conditioning: yes or no?

Air-conditioning uses extra fuel, particularly in town driving. Use it when you need it, and open the windows at low speed.

Frequently asked questions

Does 95 petrol save me money?

Only if your car requires it. Check your owner’s manual and use the recommended octane.

Where can I check the new fuel price?

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources publishes the monthly adjustment on gov.za.

Disclaimer: this website is not a lender and does not give financial advice. The information is general and may change. Always confirm details with the relevant provider or official source before you decide.