Fuel in Nigeria has become a scarce commodity, and the likelihood of obtaining it after a long queue is uncertain. Many filling stations sell fuel at exorbitant prices, leaving car owners and other users waiting for extended periods. With petrol and diesel prices constantly rising, it is essential to make the most of every drop of fuel to save money. The fuel shortage, combined with the scarcity of both new and old naira notes, has caused untold hardship for citizens and crippled economic activities across the country. Consequently, protests have erupted in various states and cities, as people lament the twin scarcity and its impact on their businesses and daily lives.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mele Kyari, has assured Nigerians that the lingering fuel scarcity will ease next week. However, he cautioned that queues at fuel stations may not disappear entirely, adding that a significant improvement is expected within a week. “I’m not saying you’ll have zero queues within the next week, because a number of things are out of our control and market forces will determine some of these issues,” he said. “But I believe we’ll see substantial and relative ease compared to today in the next week.”
Below are some practical steps to save fuel for your car during this scarcity:
**Service and maintain your car**
Keeping your vehicle in top mechanical condition is vital for optimal fuel economy. Service the engine regularly according to the manufacturer’s schedule, and use the correct parts, fluids, and lubricants. A well‑maintained car runs more efficiently and reliably.
**Maintain a smooth speed**
When the lights turn green, avoid flooring the accelerator to reach speed quickly. Rapid acceleration followed by sudden braking wastes fuel. Aim to maintain a constant speed of 15–20 mph unless road conditions require otherwise.
**Use air conditioning wisely**
Anything that draws significant power from the battery also increases fuel consumption, because the alternator—driven by the engine—must work harder. Air conditioning can raise fuel use by up to 7 % in city driving. At highway speeds, using the AC is more efficient than keeping windows down, which creates aerodynamic drag.
**Reduce unnecessary weight**
The heavier the car, the more fuel it consumes. Removing excess items from the backseat and boot can positively affect fuel efficiency.
**Monitor your speed**
Adhering to speed limits not only keeps you within the law but also reduces fuel consumption. Consistently observing speed limits is a simple way to save money.
**Maintain proper tyre pressure**
Tyres connect your vehicle to the road, and their performance impacts fuel economy. Under‑inflated tyres can lower mileage by as much as 2.5 %. Ensure tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure to improve efficiency.
Additional tips include using gears appropriately, minimizing unnecessary braking and acceleration, and turning off the engine when the vehicle is idle. By following these practices, you can conserve fuel and reduce the number of trips to the filling station during the ongoing scarcity.
Comments are closed for this story.