Top 10 effective fuel management tips during economic hardship
Fuel management tips became paramount to use the moment the President, Bola Tinubu while speaking at his inauguration ceremony on May 29, 2023, announced the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Since President Tinubu made this pronouncement to address Nigeria’s economic and fiscal challenges, the pump fuel price has continued to rise with fuel selling as high N680 per litre in some places.
The increase in fuel prices has caused inflation in basic commodities and food products because virtually all sectors depend on the transport sector to transport goods, making fuel management tips vital.
There has also been occasional scarcity of petrol across the country as players in the industry begin to adjust to the new order.
Nevertheless, the hike in fuel petrol price has brought to the fore the need to find new ways to cut down on the use of this essential product to save hard-earned resources.
NEWSLAMP in this report highlights the top 10 effective fuel management tips that Nigerians can embrace in this tough period:
Prioritise Essential Trips:
Identify and prioritise essential trips over non-essential ones. This reduces overall fuel consumption by focusing on critical activities.
Carpooling and Ride-Sharing:
Coordinate with neighbours, colleagues, or friends to share rides. Carpooling or ride-sharing helps optimise fuel usage by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
Optimise Driving Habits:
Encourage drivers to adopt fuel-efficient driving habits, such as maintaining a steady speed, avoiding rapid acceleration and reducing idling time.
Regular Vehicle Maintenance:
Ensure that vehicles are well-maintained with regular tune-ups, proper tyre inflation, and timely oil changes. Well-maintained vehicles tend to be more fuel-efficient.
Use Public Transportation:
Promote the use of public transportation where possible. Buses and trains are generally more fuel-efficient when compared to individual cars.
Implement Telecommuting:
If feasible, encourage employees to work from home or telecommute. This reduces the need for commuting and can significantly cut down on fuel consumption.
Invest in Fuel-Efficient Vehicles:
If your organisation has a fleet, consider investing in fuel-efficient vehicles. Newer models often come with advanced fuel-saving technologies.
Monitor and Analyse Fuel Usage:
Implement a system to monitor and analyse fuel usage across your organisation. Identifying patterns and areas of improvement can lead to more efficient fuel management.
Explore Alternative Fuels:
Depending on availability and feasibility, consider alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or electric vehicles to diversify your fuel sources.
Emergency Preparedness:
Develop contingency plans for fuel shortages, including having backup fuel reserves, exploring alternative suppliers, and establishing protocols for prioritising fuel usage during scarcity.
It’s essential to tailor these tips to the specific needs and circumstances. It is important to stress that combining several strategies can contribute to a more resilient and efficient fuel management approach.
Also, alternative means of power supply may be adopted instead of fueling the generator. For instance, you can use electric cookers and fridges. These are potent means of cutting costs.