How South Africans can save petrol and diesel amid rising fuel prices 2026

Johannesburg - While Government has assured South Africans that there is no immediate risk of fuel shortages, it seems price hikes are unavoidable following recent global energy market disruptions[1]. Having already experienced relatively tame increases to fuel in March, motorists have been warned to brace for significant price adjustments next month, in April.

While the volatility of oil prices is largely out of motorists’ hands, Sherry Sibeko, Executive Head for Personal Lines at Miway Insurance Limited, says drivers can still take practical steps to reduce the impact on their monthly budgets.

“Many people assume that saving fuel requires major lifestyle changes, but small adjustments to everyday driving habits can make a meaningful difference over time,” says Sibeko. “With fuel prices under pressure, it’s more important than ever for motorists to focus on efficient driving behaviours that reduce consumption and keep costs under control.”

How much fuel can South Africans realistically save by changing simple driving habits?

The actual amount of fuel that can be saved will depend on a range of factors, says Sibeko. “These include how much time a driver spends on the road, their current habits, and how consistently they change their behaviour.

“But there is no denying that simple habits such as smoother acceleration, maintaining steady speeds and avoiding unnecessary idling can significantly improve fuel efficiency,” she adds. “While each adjustment may seem minor, together they can meaningfully reduce the amount of fuel a vehicle uses over time.”

What are the biggest fuel-wasting mistakes that South African drivers make?

Many drivers unintentionally waste fuel through behaviours that seem harmless but increase consumption. “One of the most common mistakes is aggressive driving,” Sibeko says. “Rapid acceleration and harsh braking use significantly more fuel than smooth or gradual driving.”

Another common issue is unnecessary idling, such as leaving the engine running while waiting for someone or sitting in stationary traffic. “Idling for extended periods burns fuel without moving the vehicle at all,” she explains. “If you know you’ll be stationary for more than a short moment, switching off the engine can help reduce unnecessary fuel use.”

Excess weight in the vehicle and carrying unused roof racks can also increase fuel consumption.

Does switching off the engine at traffic lights, using cruise control or gentle acceleration really cut fuel costs?

According to Sibeko, these techniques can indeed contribute to lower fuel consumption when applied consistently. “Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can reduce the need for constant braking and accelerating, which helps conserve fuel. Cruise control can also improve efficiency during highway driving by maintaining a consistent speed,” she adds.

While switching off the engine during longer stops can help, Sibeko says that drivers should use their judgement depending on the situation. “If you know it is going to be a quick stop, it may not be necessary. Another consideration is safety, sometimes the safety risk of switching off your vehicle at a red light outweighs the potential for saving on fuel.”

How can carpooling and avoiding peak traffic help?

Beyond driving techniques, Sibeko says that planning ahead can be a valuable cost controlling tactic. “Carpooling is one of the most effective ways for families or colleagues to reduce transport costs,” she says. “Using navigation apps to avoid heavy congestion or planning trips outside of rush hour can also reduce the amount of time spent in traffic,” she explains.

The reality is that South Africans cannot control the price of fuel, but by making these small, practical adjustments to everyday driving behaviour, Sibeko is confident that drivers can reduce their consumption and ease some of the pressure on their monthly budgets.