With fuel prices continuing to climb, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is encouraging motorists and logistics operators to adopt smarter driving habits
The South African Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has issued a fresh set of fuel-saving tips for consumers as rising fuel prices continue to place pressure on households, motorists and the broader transport sector.
The department said small adjustments in driving behaviour and travel planning could significantly reduce fuel consumption, even during periods of escalating fuel prices.
The campaign comes at a critical time for South Africa’s logistics and transport industries, where fuel remains one of the largest operational expenses. With global oil market instability, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and a weaker rand driving up fuel costs, both businesses and consumers are increasingly seeking ways to stretch every litre.
Among the department’s key recommendations is smarter driving. Motorists are encouraged to drive smoothly, avoid sudden acceleration and harsh braking, and maintain steady speeds. According to the DMPR, driving above 100 km/h can sharply increase fuel consumption.
The department also advised motorists to switch off engines during long idling periods and avoid unnecessary warming up of vehicles before driving. For manual vehicles, changing gears earlier and avoiding excessive clutch riding can further improve fuel efficiency.
In addition, the department highlighted the importance of trip planning as a practical way to reduce fuel use. Combining errands into a single journey, planning routes ahead of time to avoid congestion and travelling outside peak traffic hours were among the measures suggested.
The DMPR also encouraged consumers to reduce individual fuel use through carpooling, ride-sharing and greater use of public transport where available. Walking or cycling short distances was identified as another effective way to save both fuel and money.
For logistics operators, these recommendations align with broader industry efforts to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. Fleet optimisation, driver behaviour monitoring and route planning technologies are increasingly becoming essential tools for transport companies navigating sustained fuel price volatility.
The impact of rising fuel prices extends far beyond motorists. Higher transport costs affect supply chains, retail pricing, food distribution and manufacturing, placing additional inflationary pressure on the economy.