Fuel prices rising: how to pay less?

Under the influence of the end of the rebate and Russian oil, fuel prices skyrocketed at the beginning of 2023, but many solutions exist.

You’ve probably noticed yourself that fuel prices have surged in recent weeks. Over €1.85/l for SP95 E10 (+23 cents in one month), €1.92/l for diesel (+19 cents), according to the Carbu site. The increase is significant at the start of 2023.

However, the barrel of oil continues to decrease, over $100 this summer to around $70 in January. But several factors are at play. The first is the end of the fuel rebate, which was 30 cents until November 15 and 10 cents until January 1. Additionally, importing oil has become more expensive, as an obligation has existed for three months to “source outside Russian fuel, outside Russian diesel”, emphasizes Michel Edouard Leclerc on RTL.

Even E85 is affected, GPL much less

Traditional fuels are not the only ones to experience this inflation. Even superethanol, also called E85, sees the liter increase to €1.13, a +7.2 cents in one week, +25 cents in one month. The rise is even 50% over a year! Driving more ecologically with a new E85 vehicle or bioethanol kit is no longer as economical as before. Nevertheless, a liter of E85 remains today 40% cheaper at the pump than gasoline. Over a year of 10,000 km/year, this amounts to about €440 in savings.

At the same time, GPL is showing a decrease. This fuel has decreased this week, barely more expensive than at the start of 2022 (+6.4 cents), and remains below one euro per liter. With the current price of €0.975/l, GPL could result in annual savings of over €520.

To save even more, drive less!

Easy to say, but how to use less fuel? If your commute to work is regular, consider carpooling, whether with colleagues or passengers through a service like Blablacar Daily or Klaxit. Moreover, the government offers a €100 carpooling bonus for first-time registration. Now is the time!

For short trips of just a few kilometers, sustainable mobility can be a solution. Walk, ride a bike, or use an e-scooter and save precious fuel.

Eco-driving and electric vehicles to avoid breaking the bank

Whether carpooling or not, also adopt eco-driving habits, which can easily reduce your consumption: gentle acceleration, avoiding excessive heating or air conditioning, and maintaining proper tire pressure. If you drive a hybrid car, maximize deceleration to recharge, and regularly recharge your plug-in hybrid to maximize electric driving.

If you are considering changing vehicles, switch to an electric car. By combining the 2023 bonus, possibly the trade-in premium, the purchase is not so expensive, and the operating costs are five times lower than petrol or diesel.

Also read: Who can receive the €100 fuel voucher?