Islanders coping with the most recent increases in gasoline prices can take some measures to offset those increases. The provincial Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry has compiled a checklist for consumers which will help them take some control over their gasoline expenditures.
“This is a difficult time for us all,” said Minister Jamie Ballem. “Due to circumstances over which no one had any control, the price of oil and petroleum products has gone up. This will be hard for consumers and it will be hard for government, which is one of the largest energy consumers in the province. In government’s case, expenses incurred as a result of this increase will outweigh any additional revenue”
Minister Ballem added that, by incorporating as many suggestions as possible, everyone can moderate the influence of the increase.
▸ Keep your car’s engine serviced – especially check your oxygen sensor, air filters and thermostat.
▸ Drive sensibly – aggressive driving can increase fuel consumption.
▸ Drive the speed limit – for every 10 km over 90 kph, fuel consumption increases by 10%.
▸ Remove excess weight – each extra 100 kgs in your trunk could cost you 4% in fuel.
▸ Check tire pressure – one under-inflated tire could cost 4% in fuel economy.
▸ Drive 10% less – make a personal decision to drive less to save fuel.
▸ Use air conditioning sparingly – use your AC on the highway and roll your windows down when urban driving.
▸ Don’t idle – ten seconds of idling can cost you more in fuel than turning your engine off. Idling for 10 minutes can cost you from one to four tenths of a litre in wasted fuel.
▸ Shorten your vehicle warm up times – the best way to warm up a vehicle is to drive it. With computer controlled, fuel injected engines you only need 30 seconds of warm up times on winter days.