Here Are Driving Tips That Can Help You Save Fuel

(SPOT.ph) With another painful round of fuel price hikes on the way, the Department of Energy (DOE) is urging motorists to adopt simple driving habits that can help conserve fuel.

The reminder comes as the local oil industry points to a staggered price increase of P17 to P24 per liter this week—the "highest jump" in history, according to DOE Secretary Sharon Garin. It's driven by rising global oil prices linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East, including concerns over disruptions to oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil supply.

The DOE assured motorists that fuel supply remains sufficient for now, saying current stocks are expected to last until the end of April. Additional shipments are already being arranged to replenish the existing supply.

For now, the agency said there is no need to consider fuel rationing, but one of the things we can do—aside from commuting and carpooling—is to drive smarter.

Also read: This Website Shows You Nearby Gas Stations With the Cheapest Prices

According to the DOE, aggressive driving, like sudden acceleration and hard braking, can increase fuel consumption by 15% to 40% compared to smoother driving. Over time, that difference can add up to high costs. A typical car owner could waste an estimated P1,392 to P3,712 per month, while buses and trucks could lose as much as P12,480 per month.

The alternative is what the DOE calls smooth, anticipatory driving. In practice, that means easing off the accelerator earlier as you approach a stop, slowing gradually rather than braking at the last second. These small adjustments reduce the constant cycle of speeding up and slowing down that burns extra fuel in stop-and-go conditions.

Speed also plays a big role in how much fuel a vehicle consumes. The DOE noted that fuel use begins to rise sharply once vehicles exceed 80 km/h, because the faster a car travels, the more air it has to push through (what they call "aerodynamic drag"), forcing the engine to work harder by burning more fuel.

To put it simply: driving a little slower can go a long way. DOE said traveling at 90 km/h instead of 110 km/h can reduce fuel consumption by roughly 15%. For trucks covering about 500 kilometers a week, that difference could mean saving around 15 liters of fuel or about P780 per week. Over longer periods, those savings can add up significantly—especially for vehicles that spend a lot of time on the road.

Motorists on highways may also benefit from using cruise control (if you have that button on the steering wheel), which can reduce fuel use by around 5% to 10%, especially for long-distance travel. This feature allows drivers to set a steady speed so the vehicle maintains it automatically without continuously pressing the accelerator.

Also read: This App Lets You 'Lock In' Fuel Prices Before They Go Up