Saving fuel

There is a debate in the wider society regarding the hike in fuel prices, but one factor that has escaped attention is the need for conserving fuel. There is little or no debate about reducing consumption levels vis-à-vis fuel and electricity. This is essential, not only because of the present fuel price levels but also because fossil fuels are going to run out sooner than we think.

There are many ways to conserve fuel, but we will, somewhat paradoxically, start with the process of buying a car. Ours is a democracy and people do have a choice. Everyone aspires to own a vehicle. But the Government has given an incentive for buying hybrid vehicles, which combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine, by imposing lower duties and taxes. These vehicles can naturally go more kilometers per litre (the latest ones can apparently do 40 Km/litre).

If you are in the market for a new car, think about taking the hybrid route. It will be friendly to your wallet and to the environment. And in most cases, they cost less to purchase and run than the equivalent all-petrol model. You can also think about buying a smaller car with an engine capacity of less than 1.2 litres - most such cars are very fuel efficient. All-electric cars are in short supply in this country, but they should be more widely available in a few more years. With the correct infrastructure (charging stations) in place, they should be a great alternative to gasoline, diesel and even non-plug in hybrid cars.

Regardless of the type of car you have, there are several tips which will enable you to save a bit of fuel every time you start the engine. First, fill up all the way (“full tank”) when you refuel. Do not let the fuel needle go down past the quarter mark. It is generally better to fill up early in the morning or at night and try to park the car in the shade (not always possible) to minimise evaporation from the tank. Do maintain correct tyre pressure, because more fuel will be needed to haul the car along if it is too low or too high. And change your tyres well before the tread vanishes. Change your spark plugs and fuel/air filters. They do have a significant effect on engine performance. Drive at a consistent speed if possible and avoid pulling out of traffic lights fast.

Minimum speed

The most efficient speed is your car's minimum speed in its highest gear, since this provides the best “speed per RPM” ratio.

This is usually about 60-70 Km per hour, although this speed is not possible in most cities. If approaching a red light, see if you can slow down enough to avoid having to actually stop (because you reach the light after it is green). Drive off smoothly from those intersections. Try to schedule journeys when the traffic is lighter and plan your journeys/routes in advance. A longer route with less traffic can be more beneficial to your wallet than a shorter, congested route.

Avoid travelling too close to the vehicle in front. The concept of carpooling has not caught on yet in this country.

It simply means that people going to the same office/locality could travel in one car. If they use Mr. A’s car today, Mr. B will bring his car tomorrow. This way, Messrs A, B, C and D can all pool their cars - and money for fuel - making a considerable saving in the process. Actually, in some cities abroad cars with just the driver are not permitted to enter the city centre without paying some sort of fine or surcharge. Similarly, the authorities should give serious thought to deploying more school buses as a safer, cheaper alternative to the ubiquitous school vans, which have been beset with many problems.

While these are a few ways in which you can save a litre or two of fuel, there are several other ways which call for a painful separation from your vehicle on a temporary basis.

There are some journeys for which you do not need a car at all. A walk to the junction to buy the newspaper is good for the heart too. If you need to go a longer distance, catch a bus or a taxi.

In this context, it is heartening to note that the Government is introducing more luxury buses on urban routes to entice car owners to leave their cars at home and take the bus.

You can also ride such a short distance if you have a bicycle.

The train is ideal for travelling long distances without facing a massive bill at the pumps. The latest privately-owned luxury compartments on long distance trains have tempted many motorists to leave the car at home and take the train.

Positive step

This is a positive step. That brings us to the question of goods transport by train. Since most goods are transported by truck in this country, the prices of most goods, especially foodstuffs, rise whenever fuel prices go up. Little thought has been given to the possibility of expanding the rail freight business. One goods train can remove at least seven or eight container trucks from the congested roads.

These trucks can otherwise be used to serve areas which the rail network does not reach. A program must be thus drawn up to make rail freight more attractive and accessible.

The restoration of the Northern rail track will make rail freight a more attractive proposition for North-South goods transport.

Our ‘my car-my petrol’ attitude with regard to fuel consumption must change now.

The State spends billions of dollars every year to import fossil fuel for domestic transport and power requirements. By making an honest effort to save fuel, we can help the authorities to reduce the fuel imports bill.

Every drop counts in this exercise. Just imagine the savings if each family in the island saves at least one litre of petrol, diesel or kerosene every week. It is an obligation that we cannot afford to ignore any more.