Petrol prices are rising so fast that filling your tank now feels like applying for a small personal loan. The increase is among the sharpest that motorists have seen in recent years.
For commuters travelling daily, the increase could add significantly to transport costs. While we cannot control global oil prices or geopolitical tensions, we can control how efficiently we drive. Here are 11 practical ways to cut your fuel bill starting this week.
What the latest petrol increase really costs motorists
The May 2026 increase has left many looking for ways to save on fuel or find ways to cut down on expenses. A driver travelling 40km daily in an average petrol vehicle could now spend more than R3 000 a month on fuel alone. Those with larger cars and drivers in heavy traffic daily may spend significantly more. Even small fuel-saving habits can make a noticeable difference.
How to cut your fuel bill: driving habits that actually work
1. Accelerate gently instead of racing away from robots
You are not in a Fast & Furious movie. You are on William Nicol at 07:00. Aggressive acceleration and harsh braking are among the biggest fuel wasters. According to the US Department of Energy, aggressive driving can lower fuel economy by up to 30% on highways and up to 40% in stop-start traffic.
2. Slow down on the highway to cut your fuel bill
In most cars, fuel consumption rises sharply once you drive faster than 120km/h, and the AA supports this information. Dropping to 110km/h on long trips can reduce consumption noticeably over time. Getting there three minutes earlier is usually not worth arriving financially devastated.
3. Cruise control on open roads
Maintaining a steady speed removes the small fluctuations that cost you fuel without you realising it. If your car has this feature, use it to save on fuel costs.
4. Switch off when stationary to save fuel costs
There has been much debate about whether switching off the engine when idling saves fuel, or whether starting the car uses more. Idling for more than a minute burns fuel for zero kilometres. If you are sitting outside a school for 20 minutes scrolling TikTok while the engine runs, you are basically burning money for air conditioning.
5. Take advantage of hybrid work
Working from home even one extra day a week can significantly reduce monthly fuel costs, especially for Gauteng commuters travelling long distances daily. If your employer offers hybrid working, using it strategically can make a meaningful difference over a year.
The silent fuel killers are costing you money every week
6. Check your tyre pressure to cut your fuel bill
Under-inflated tyres create more resistance, which means your engine works harder and uses more fuel. Check your vehicle handbook for the correct pressure.
7. Service your vehicle on schedule
Dirty air filters, worn spark plugs, poor wheel alignment, and neglected maintenance all affect fuel efficiency. Skipping a service may save money temporarily, but it can quietly increase fuel costs every month.
Easy ways to save money on fuel before you even start the car
8. Combine your errands to cut fuel costs
Combining errands into a single trip saves both time and fuel. Cold engines also use more fuel, so fewer short trips add up to real savings. Instead of planning another trip for tomorrow just because you want to go home and lounge in your slippers, just do it if you are already in the area.
9. Use a fuel rewards programme
Several major fuel retailers and banks offer cashback or points on fuel purchases. If you are not using one, you are leaving money on the table. It won’t save you lots of money, but every bit helps in this economy.
10. Consider carpooling for the daily commute
It may be convenient to travel on your own, but splitting fuel costs with even one colleague can halve your monthly spend.
11. Rethink the trip entirely
Before starting the car, ask yourself one important question: Do you genuinely need to go out, or are you just bored and looking for iced coffee? Once you have made the choice, consider using public transport, e-hailing, or carpooling as a way to save fuel. It may actually be cheaper than driving yourself once fuel, parking, and vehicle wear are considered.
Adjust your monthly budget around the new fuel reality
Unfortunately, the idea of just earning more money has not proven to be a reliable budgeting strategy for most people. Getting to work, school, or appointments is unavoidable, which means households may need to reduce spending elsewhere temporarily when fuel prices spike.
That could mean:
- cutting back on unnecessary trips to save fuel costs
- Reducing takeaways or entertainment spending
- Shopping closer to home
- delaying non-essential purchases
- combining family errands into one outing
While no one wants to restructure their budget around petrol prices, small adjustments in other areas can help prevent fuel costs from pushing households deeper into debt.
None of these tips will completely cancel the latest fuel hike. But together, they can help South Africans reduce how much they spend at the pump every month.
Fuel-saving myths that many drivers still believe
Some fuel-saving “advice” has been passed down between South Africans like family recipes. Unfortunately, many of them are complete time-wasters and do not work, including warming up engines before driving, coasting downhill in neutral and the belief that one will get more fuel when filling up in the morning.
None of these tips will completely cancel the latest fuel hike. But together, they can help South Africans reduce how much they spend at the pump every month.
