Thursday 18 / April / 2024
Muscat: As the Sultanate set new prices for domestic petrol and diesel on Monday, the focus has now shifted on how to cut down fuel costs, with experts suggesting a range of measures that could help slash consumption by almost 30 per cent. “Cut out non-essential journeys immediately and use public transport whenever possible,” suggested Mark Pudwell, business development and training manager at Competence HR.
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He said one must ensure that all vehicles tyres are set to the manufacturer’s pressure, and carefully monitor the use of the car’s air conditioner.
“Use and get the system serviced, accelerate evenly, drive carefully and use the gearbox to help with braking,” he said.
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Heat on commuters
After an austere budget announcement last week, Oman’s oil and gas ministry revised fuel prices on Monday.
Daily commuters could feel the heat of new prices becoming effective from January 15.
“If your vehicle is fitted with stop/start technology, use it or ask the vehicle supplier how to use it. Regular vehicle servicing and replacing fuel filters can also reduce fuel consumption,” Pudwell suggested.
These steps include driving a lower fuel consumption car (ideally around four to seven litres per 100 km), he said, could reduce personal fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent. Others suggested using regular-grade fuel instead of super-graded (recommended for high compression engines or high performance cars) that could save costs on fuel too.
“If we are able to trade in fuel guzzlers for more economical models, we could reduce fuel consumption. Also one should turn the engine off during long jams and traffic halts,” said Mohammed Alam, a local driver.
Maintenance
He said, maintenance and servicing of vehicles is crucial and that once should avoid rash driving. “It can save life and petrol both,” he said.
Others told the Times of Oman that firms should provide petrol cards to their staff and should advise their staff to switch from super to regular petrol. They said avoiding unnecessary weight in the cars would also help reduce pressure on moving vehicle.
Hike in fares?
Umar Reshie, a daily commuter and a client relations manager with a local company told Times of Oman TOO that by not going hard on the brakes one could cut down on fuel consumption, even as people should give more time to journeys and drive slowly.
“Switch off the engine when buying stuff from the roadside or markets. Poor tyre pressure could result in dragging and ultimately higher fuel consumption. Shun unnecessary trips to close by markets. Avoid your vehicle, if walking can do the job,” he suggested, hoping these steps could save one from shelling out extra money on fuel.
Monday’s decision also raised fears of a hike in taxi fares in the Sultanate. But drivers said they won’t increase fares unless the government comes up with new fare charts.
Government decision
“We can’t increase the rates,” said Syed, a taxi driver in Wadi Al Qabir, who gave his first name only. “The decision is for the government to take.”
With inputs from Mubin Matthews
