As the war between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition has entered its fourth week, with both sides now targeting critical energy facilities, many fear this phase could further exacerbate the rate at which fuel costs across the globe are rising.
Greek consumers are already feeling a pinch in their pockets at the pump due to the war in Iran, with fuel prices in the Athens metropolitan area already surging past the €2-liter mark. Unleaded fuel ranges from €2.001 to €2.158 per liter at petrol stations in many suburbs, according to the Liquid Fuel Price Observatory.
However, motorists can save some money by adopting some simple and sensible steps. Here are the 5 measures you need to know:
1. Keep Your Car Properly Serviced
A vehicle that has gone years without an oil change or service will burn more fuel than one that is regularly maintained. Using the correct grade of engine oil also matters — thicker oil increases friction between engine components, driving up consumption.
2. Avoid Aggressive Driving
Aggressive acceleration from a standstill — at traffic lights, for example — consumes significantly more fuel. Gradual acceleration and anticipating traffic flow rather than braking and accelerating repeatedly will make a measurable difference. Maintaining a safe following distance allows for more progressive braking and reduces unnecessary fuel burn.
3. Check Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and raise fuel consumption. Tyre pressure should always be checked when the tyres are cold — after less than five minutes of driving — as warm tyres give unreliable readings
4. Reduce Excess Weight
A cluttered boot or back seat adds unnecessary weight. Removing between 8 and 20 kilograms of unneeded items can reduce daily fuel costs by around 5% — a modest figure that adds up significantly over time.
5. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
Setting the air conditioning to excessively low temperatures places heavy strain on the system and causes fuel consumption to spike. A moderate cabin temperature that provides comfort without overloading the system will help keep consumption in check.
