Everything you need to know about surviving gas prices

The prices of basic necessities these days are soaring like crazy. Though there are also times when they drop a bit, the result of the fluctuations usually shows that the price hike was more than the price drop. This can be seen in usual products like canned goods, disposable diapers, and rice.

This issue, however, isn’t just limited to products. This also applies to services and even transportation fare. And if you think you’re safe from it all because you drive a private vehicle, well guess again.

Gas prices are also prone to fluctuations, and there’s hardly anything we can do to stop it

The good news, however, is that we can still do a few things to alleviate the painful effects of this event on our budgets. Filipinos are known to be resilient in any life situation, regardless of how hard it can become.

That’s why even in times where the basic necessities and services are a bit out of reach, we still manage to thrive.

Philkotse.com prepared some surefire ways you can survive rising gas prices without too much trouble:

Today’s gas prices

The average price of regular gasoline these days is somewhere between Php 51.00 to Php 56.00. This, of course, varies depending on the distributor that you buy it from and the type of fuel you choose. In a few years' time, one can only expect that this goes higher and higher in correspondence to the world market.

.It’s a big elephant in the room. But there are people who think that regular fuel will someday cost Php 60.00 per liter. Before that day comes, we best tolerate the price fluctuations of today.

In a few years' time, one can only expect that this goes higher and higher in correspondence to the world market

>>> Latest update: Welcome the new decade with a new fuel excise tax hike

Some people, however, seek out a better response to this dilemma. There are many options advertised in the market that are supposed to “save you money on gas.” But it'd be best if you don’t get fooled.

Most of these choices are expensive. If you bet your money on the wrong choice, you might as well use it to buy fuel for your car. The best suggestion we can give you is that you analyze the way that you use a vehicle.

The average price of regular gasoline these days is somewhere between Php 51.00 to Php 56.00

Once you know what you need to know, change your driving habits for better fuel efficiency. Rather than succumbing to money-saving claims, the best thing you can do is to strategize.

If you haven’t figured out what we’re pointing at yet, here are a few sensible ways you can save money on gas.

>>> Related: What is the difference between regular and premium fuel?

1. Figure out the mileage on your car

Check the mileage on your car. Doing so will help you see how the price increase impacts your driving distance. Measure the improvements you see by changing your casual driving patterns.

Then, decide on the move you need to take to save on gas. The results will also let you decide if it’s time for you to move on and get a vehicle that’s more fuel-efficient.

Check the mileage on your car

>>> Recommended articles:

• 16 useful driving tips to enhance your fuel mileage
• How to track mileage without an odometer & why you need to do it

2. Assess how you spend your money

Ponder over the overall effects of the rising gas prices and how it affects your budget. In more cases than obvious, the impact of Php 1.00 to Php 2.00 per liter in fuel price hike is hardly felt by most motorists. This could vary, however, from one person to another.

For example, if you’re a parent with a really tight budget, that mere Php 1.00 price hike could mean the kids’ allowance for a few days. If you’re single and are solely living alone, you won’t find the fuel price hike too life-changing.

But if it does affect the household budget regardless if you’re alone or have a family, it may be time to reassess your finances.

Ponder over the overall effects of the rising gas prices and how it affects your budget

>>> Worth reading: 7 common misconceptions about fuel-saving

3. Change your driving style

You can save fuel little by little just by changing your habitual driving style. Another tip that can help you out with this is by performing a few simple vehicle maintenance procedures on your vehicle.

There have been numerous car experts that took various assessments to test various driving styles.

You can save fuel little by little just by changing your habitual driving style

They also put into consideration other factors like basic car maintenance and aerodynamics. As per general results, the biggest fuel-saving advice is to stick to calm driving.

Compare this to lane-changing, fast driving, and sharp-braking style. You will save more fuel by driving calmly. The end results showed that fuel efficiency was raised by thirty-five percent overall.

>>> FYI: Car confidential: Which is better, defensive or offensive driving?

4. Scope your area for better gas prices

Get recommendations from friends, co-workers, or family members about where you can buy the cheapest fuel in the area. Take into consideration the distance of the recommended fuel station from where you live. If it’s too far, Php 1.00 difference in fuel price per liter may not be totally worth it.

Aside from officially licensed gasoline stations, there are also local resellers of gasoline in almost every area in the provinces of the Philippines.

These sellers usually offer their fuel for way lower prices. Some retailers sell them at Php 3.00 to Php 5.00 lower than actual gas stations. This is because of a bunch of reasons.

Get recommendations from friends, co-workers, or family members

First off, it’s because they don’t pay taxes. Second is that they also usually don’t pay rent for having an actual gas station. This is because most of these retailers sell gasoline straight from their homes.

We don’t highly suggest this option because of a few factors as well. For example, the way the gasoline is retailed in used plastic bottles welcomes the possibility of foreign objects. These foreign objects may eventually enter the engine along with the gasoline.

This may contribute to your engine not performing well. These sellers also take away consumers from legitimate businesses. But if you ever need to top-off at a major discount price, you can consider this option.

>>> You might concern: 

• Hypermiling: Tips & techniques to save money on gas
• 5 Gas-saving technologies that every driver should consider

5. Don’t buy scam devices

As the price of types of gasoline sore, the situation becomes an amiable condition for scamming businessmen who think only of their own gain.

Avoid buying so-called gas-saving devices because these don’t work. These types of devices can be sold in a variety of mediums, but none are guaranteed effective to this day.