Petrol and diesel prices across the UK have risen sharply, prompting calls for drivers to reduce speed to save fuel.
Drivers told to slow down to save money on petrol
Unleaded petrol is up 14.4p per litre, while diesel has increased by 28.2p compared with last month, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Experts at LKQ Euro Car Parts said slowing down on motorways and dual carriageways can significantly reduce fuel consumption.
LKQ told Birmingham Live: “Driving at high speeds down dual carriageways and motorways means your engine is operating at a higher RPM than it is on slower roads. However, by simply slowing down a little on those fast roads, you could end up saving a lot of money.
“The most efficient speed to drive at is between 55-65mph, and driving at 70mph compared to 80mph on a motorway could save 25% more fuel.”
The International Energy Agency (IEA) advised households to work from home where possible to reduce oil demand.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol added: “The war in the Middle East is creating a major energy crisis, including the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. In the absence of a swift resolution, the impacts on energy markets and economies are set to become more and more severe.”
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said drivers should prepare for continued price rises at the pumps, as global oil markets remain volatile.
He warned: “As a barrel of oil has been trading well over $100 for the last three days and looks set to remain at that level, drivers are in for a rough ride at the pumps in the run-up to the Easter break with no end to price increases in sight.”
Petrol could soon exceed 150p per litre, with diesel reaching 180p, making this likely the most expensive Easter on the roads since the early days of the war in Ukraine in 2022.