OCBA - Using fuel economically

Worried about the cost of fuel?

On this page you'll find some links to information that can help you understand more about fuel prices and what makes them behave the way they do.

Buying cheaper fuel is not the only way you can save money on your fuel bill. The way you use the fuel you buy can also save you money, and contribute to reducing harm to the environment.

Tips

Ask yourself - Do I need to use the car every time I want to go somewhere? Could you use the bus or a train, walk or ride a bike?

If you do need to use the car:

Stick to the speed limit - speeds over 100kph use more fuel
Minimise idling, and stop-start traffic where possible
Keep your vehicle in good shape - clean air filters keep impurities in the air from damaging the engine and can improve fuel economy
Maintain proper tyre pressure - under-inflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency and wear tyres out more quickly
Minimise use of the air conditioner
Try to do one longer trip rather than several short trips - a warm engine is more efficient than a cold one
Don't carry anything you don't need to - it all adds weight and burns more fuel
When buying a car, think fuel economy.

Understanding petrol pricing in Australia

You can download the ACCC brochure that addresses the following questions:

What factors determine petrol prices in Australia?
Why are Australian petrol prices based on international benchmarks?
How do international prices affect Australian petrol prices?
What makes petrol susceptible to price volatility?
Why do petrol prices fluctuate in the largest metropolitan cities?
How can consumers take advantage of price cycles?
Why are petrol prices often the same at different service stations?
Why do petrol prices vary between locations in Australia?

Brochure

Booklet

Fuel quality

The Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage is responsible for developing and enforcing a number of fuel quality standards made under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000. Penalties apply if standards aren't met.

You can read about fuel quality standards, and how those standards are monitored and how compliance is enforced, by going to the link below:

http://www.deh.gov.au/atmosphere/fuelquality/index.html

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Using fuel economically

On this page

Worried about the cost of fuel?

Understanding petrol pricing in Australia

Fuel quality

Fuel and transport links