30th March 2022

Fuel Saving Tips

Consumer Tips
Energy & Fuel
Money

Fuel Saving Tips

With forecourt fuel prices going through reaching record highs, we’ve put together some tips on how to reduce your fuel consumption and get the best available price.

  • Since the Council started collecting forecourt prices around 15 years ago, the highest recorded prices were in 2012/2013 when they reached just over £1.20 per litre for unleaded petrol.


The latest prices, published on 29 March 2022, are eye-watering with the prices ranging from:
Unleaded £1.519 - £1.749 pl
Diesel       £1.550 - £1.819 pl


Now, more than ever, it’s essential that we drive as efficiently as possible to get the most miles from as little fuel as possible. Your car manual will possibly have some suggestions on how to get the best out of your specific make and model but here are some more general tips.

Get the best price

  • Find the forecourt closest to your house, work, or on your route, that is selling at the best price by using our pricecomparison.je website or free downloadable app.
  • Most forecourts with the same branding sell at the same price, but not all. Just because you can get one price in St Martin does not mean it will be the same in St Ouen.
  • Sign up for one of the free loyalty schemes offered by the suppliers, as you will often benefit from discounts, or accumulate cash for use at a later date. The places offering these will be shown on our price comparison site very soon.

Drive wisely

  • Avoid stopping and starting, if possible. Gently roll up to the red traffic light or yellow line.
  • Lower your speed and drive in the highest gear for that speed (within the speed limit).
    Accelerate away slowly and, when driving try to maintain your speed and keep the revs between 1,500 - 2,500 rpm (petrol) and 1,200 - 2,000 rpm (diesel).
  • Brake gently too, rather than leaving it late and wasting energy (unless an emergency stop is required). Keep in gear when braking as this uses very little fuel.
  • Keep the number of times you change gear to a minimum. Many new cars have gear change indication on the dashboard which shows the most economical gear to be driving in at any one time.
  • With all our hills, its’ good to know that when coming to one accelerate a little ahead of time and ease off as you drive up, which will minimise fuel consumption.
  • Our Island speed limits range from 15 to 40 mph. According to the RAC, when driving in the UK driving between 50 to 60 mph is the best for fuel efficiency. The faster you drive the more fuel you use. Cruise control can be used in the UK or Europe but is no real benefit on our roads.

Maintain and tidy your car

  • Check your tyre pressure to reduce drag and effort on your engine. The correct pressure for your vehicle will be stated in the car manual.
  • Check the oil levels and get it serviced regularly.
  • It’s a good time to clear out anything in the boot that you don’t need for every journey. Any extra weight uses more fuel.
  • Take off the roof rack, roof box or cycle rack, as these create drag and add weight.
  • It’s great to support your football team but those patriotic flags, stuck on the window or aerial, will cost you.


Don’t warm up the car

  • Modern day cars don’t need to be warmed up before driving which means you’re not wasting fuel.
  • Keep air con to a minimum
  • If the window is iced over, use a scraper to clear it rather than cranking up the heater to warm up the window. In the summer, open the window and let that fresh air in, although this does increase drag.
  • When you do need to use the heater or cooler, keep it to a minimum as it is one of the biggest uses of fuel.

Plan your journey

  • If you’re unsure where you’re going it’s worth using a satnav to get you there using the quickest route. Most newer models will redirect you to avoid traffic jams or roadworks so you don’t waste time and fuel in a traffic jam.
  • Make your journey as efficient as possible by planning your stops so you don’t have to go back on yourself.

Car share and buses

  • Reduce the time you use your car by car-sharing or using the bus service.