COMMENT
Five Ways To Save Money On Petrol

By Alison Hunt (TMFAlly)
June 29, 2005

This will probably come as no surprise, but a recent survey has found the UK to be one of the more expensive places in Europe for unleaded petrol.

The 2005 annual American Express Foreign Exchange survey of fuel prices has found that petrol prices vary hugely - from 57p/litre in Switzerland, to a whopping 90p/litre in Norway! Out of 12 popular European motoring holiday destinations, the UK came in at 9th place, at 86p/litre.

Fuel Price Comparison

Position	Country	Cost per litre / pence	+/- Cost per litre 05/04	Cost per 1,000 miles
1 (2)	Switzerland	57p	-10p	£95.24
2 (1)	Spain	65p	+1p	£107.99
3 (5)	Austria	69p	+1p	£115.55
4 (3)	Ireland	70p	+4p	£116.55
5 (6)	Germany	83p	+10p	£137.86
6 (8)	Sweden	83p	+8p	£138.20
7 (4)	France	83p	+7p	£138.53
8 (7)	Italy	83p	+10p	£138.53
9 (9)	UK	86p	+3p	£142.36
10 (10)	Belgium	88p	+4p	£146.52
11 (11)	Holland	89p	+4p	£147.52
12 (12)	Norway	90p	+3p	£149.52

Source: American Express Foreign Exchange
Figures in brackets relate to 2004 positions

So it seems that although Switzerland is an expensive place for many things, petrol isn't one of them - presumably due to its fuel tax policy. We in the UK, however currently pay around 70% of the price of a litre of unleaded petrol in fuel duty and VAT - and 67% for diesel. And with average petrol prices reaching 86.8p/litre and diesel hitting 90.8p/litre at the end of last week, it's easy to see where a lot of our cash is going.

But there are ways to cut your petrol or diesel costs (and greenhouse gas emissions too) why not follow some advice from Haynes:

• Fill up your car and zero the mileage trip meter.
• The next time you fill up; divide the miles covered by the amount of fuel added in litres.
• Multiply this value by 4.55 and you'll get a figure in miles per gallon.
• Do this regularly and you can monitor how much you save in fuel.

Now, to save money on fuel:

1. Although the AA's Petrolbusters site has now closed, there is another site that can check for cheapest fuel in your area why not try Findcheappetrol.com?
2. Ensure that your car is regularly serviced and check your tyre pressures regularly. Under-inflated tyres can cost you eight per cent more in fuel and will wear out more quickly, too.
3. Turning off air conditioning and heated rear windows when not required can save a further ten per cent in fuel costs.
4. Remove that roof rack if you don't need it a fully loaded roof rack can add 30 per cent to fuel consumption.
5. Drive smoothly and consistently. Avoiding harsh acceleration and braking can save you ten per cent in fuel costs (and prevent premature wear and tear).

A third of all car journeys are less than two miles if you can why not walk or cycle? You'll save money and get fitter too. Or lift share for that journey to work or the school run. And if you only need a car occasionally, why not see if there is a Car Club in your area?

You can save even more by switching to a more efficient car; you can find out the emission ratings of new cars here. And while you're at it, why not cut the cost of your motor insurance too?