The general rise in fuel prices in the West has generated a perfect storm within the vehicle sales floors. Right now, a small and economical vehicle would perhaps be the best option to face the increases in gasoline that are already noticeable in the prices of the pumps in the United States and Europe. But right now these types of models are in short supply amid a widespread bet by vehicle manufacturers on SUVs and pickups.
Gasoline prices have risen unexpectedly since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine two weeks ago. The United States and other countries responded to the invasion with sanctions against Russia, including bans or reductions on imports of Russian oil.
This generated an immediate effect on the main reference indicators -Brent and WIT- of crude oil prices, and a subsequent increase in gasoline prices. In the United States, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.06, up 45 cents in a week and $1.30 more than a year ago, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA). .
Even those that right now could represent a good alternative to deal with high fuel prices, are also scarce on sales floors. Customers face months of waiting before receiving their electric vehicles.
In Mexico, the government subsidy contains the rise in fuel prices. Today the national average for regular gasoline is 21.22 pesos per liter and 23.01 pesos per liter for premium gasoline, while diesel stands at 22.52 pesos per liter.
The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit has said in recent days that “there is a cushion” that will allow the subsidies to be maintained thanks to the extra income that will be obtained from the sale of more expensive crude, whose price per barrel right now practically doubles the estimate by Treasury of 55.1 dollars per barrel.
Amid this uncertain landscape around fuel supply and prices, coming right in the middle of a global shortage of electric vehicles, automakers are seeing a new push for their smaller, more efficient models.
Although there is a widespread perception that a hatchback or subcompact sedan is more fuel efficient than an SUV or pickup, advances in turbocharged engines, lighter materials, and technologies such as stop-and-go, which turns off the engine when the car stops at a stoplight or in traffic, it has helped improve fuel economy on the larger and later models.
Beyond the size and weight of a vehicle, the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE) warns that there are other factors that influence its fuel consumption, from the motorist’s own driving habits or traffic, to abuse the use of air conditioning or carry the trunk full of things. Also the altitude and road conditions affect the performance of the units.
Tips to save gasoline
Among the recommendations that the agency gives to reduce gasoline consumption are:
1. Boot.
At the beginning of your journey, go at a moderate speed, accelerating progressively. Wait for the engine temperature to stabilize to demand its full power.
2. Constant speed.
Accelerate gradually, gently press down on the accelerator pedal. Stomping it down produces, according to Conuee, up to four times more gasoline consumption.
3. Take advantage of the fourth and fifth.
In a vehicle with a manual transmission, when the drive system allows it, shift to a higher gear. La Conuee explains that the low gears are designed for high thrust and quick acceleration, while the fourth, fifth and sixth positions save gas. In most vehicles, a speed of 60 kilometers per hour can be maintained in fourth and fifth gear.
4. Aerodynamics.
When driving on the highway, close the windows whenever possible. Having them open increases the vehicle’s resistance to the air and, therefore, also increases fuel consumption.
5. Maintenance.
Good maintenance can reduce fuel consumption by 10%, according to Conuee calculations, plus you will have a better response from your vehicle.
