How can you save during an energy crisis?
With oil prices expected to rise next week, motorists are preparing for another hit to their finances. Fuel efficiency has once again become a significant topic as the cost of daily transportation continues to increase amid the oil situation in the Middle East. For the average Filipino household, this could affect not only daily expenses but also weekly activities and budgets.
It raises the question: How can motorists navigate an obstacle largely beyond their control?
A common debate around rising oil prices is whether it’s better to fill your vehicle’s tank or refuel only as needed. Studies indicate that while a full tank can slightly reduce a vehicle’s fuel efficiency because of the added weight, the effect is marginal.
This means that partially refueling your vehicle is technically more fuel-efficient because the car carries less weight. However, the difference is so small that most motorists are unlikely to notice meaningful savings from this alone, regardless of how often they drive.
One caveat is that motorists should keep at least a quarter tank of gasoline as a reserve for unforeseen events. While refueling smaller amounts could mean more frequent trips to the gas station, maintaining a reasonable reserve ensures that you have enough fuel for emergencies, unexpected traffic, or other disruptions.
When you drive matters
Beyond reducing your vehicle’s weight, motorists can also adopt fuel-efficient practices such as avoiding rapid acceleration, maintaining proper tire pressure, and planning trips in advance. But when it comes to actual household spending, another factor can have a much bigger impact: timing.
When you refuel can significantly affect how much you spend, especially given the current volatility of oil prices. The savings from carrying less fuel are relatively small, while buying gasoline before a major price increase-or after a rollback takes effect-can save motorists several pesos per liter.
Rethinking refueling strategy
This changes the discussion on whether it is better to fill up completely or refuel only partially.
When officials announce a significant price hike, motorists can avoid paying a higher rate for fuel by filling up before the increase takes effect. In this situation, the savings from buying fuel at the lower price likely outweigh the small fuel-efficiency penalty of carrying the extra weight.
Keeping more fuel in the tank may also help during supply disruptions, emergencies, or before long trips, when an adequate reserve provides extra security and convenience.
When a significant price rollback is announced, motorists who can wait save money by buying only enough fuel to last until the lower price takes effect. Once the rollback takes effect, buying more fuel at the lower price may be more economical.
If prices are relatively stable and there is no clear direction for the next adjustment, motorists can refuel according to their normal needs. In such situations, there is little financial advantage to either consistently filling the tank or deliberately keeping it partially filled.
Ultimately, no single rule says motorists should always fill their tanks or always buy fuel in smaller amounts. While a lighter tank provides a marginal advantage in fuel efficiency, the price motorists pay per liter can have a much greater effect on their overall expenses.