DESPITE the steady decline of pump prices in the international and local markets, Filipinos in Metro Manila are still at the losing end if the traffic in the capital would not be solved immediately.
It is estimated that Metro Manila will lose P6 billion by the year in daily traffic cost by 2030. Fuel is another component.
Despite the government’s efforts to reduce the congestion in major roads in Metro Manila, an official of oil company Shell said drivers—fleet and car owners alike—could make the most out of their budget by following some steps to fuel efficiency.
“We believe that all drivers can potentially improve their fuel efficiency by following simple steps to modify their driving style. In fact, from the study that Shell did in the Philippines, 9 out of 10 Filipino drivers believe that it is important to be fuel efficient, but only 25 percent of these drivers are knowledgeable on how to improve their fuel efficiency,” Swee Hock-Lim, Shell Smart Transport General Manager, said in a recent briefing.
First, he said, drivers must plan routes carefully.
“Choose a longer route if it has less traffic whenever possible, as it is more fuel-efficient to take a slightly longer route but with less traffic. You can also avoid peak rush-hour traffic by starting your journey earlier or later. Also, avoid bad weather, as traffic is often worse when the weather is bad,” the official said.
Drivers must also avoid excess idling. They have to “make sure their vehicle is serviced and is capable of quickly restarting or anticipate when you will move again and restart before traffic moves again. Also, turn off your vehicle when parked.”
Driving smoothly—accelerating lightly and smoothly and brake less—could also help, he said.
“For example, it takes less energy to gain speed if you are already moving than if you have already stopped. Look ahead when moving and avoid heavy braking,” the executive said.
Excessive loading could also account for higher operating expenses, Hock-Lim said.
“Drivers should also be mindful of managing the load. They could opt to reduce excess load by removing things that are not needed to increase fuel efficiency,” he said.
For commercial fleets, fuel can account for as much as 30 percent of the operating cost.
“Minimizing fuel consumption is, therefore, imperative. Fuel efficiency is an important component of fuel management, which can help generate significant savings,” he said.
Lorenz S. Marasigan