With nine days remaining until the 15th domestic refined oil price adjustment window of the year, set for July 31 at midnight, expectations for a price increase are intensifying, driven by sustained strength in international crude oil markets.
Current monitoring data indicates an expected increase of 530 yuan per ton for gasoline and 510 yuan per ton for diesel. Translated to retail prices, this equates to a rise of 0.42 yuan per liter for 92-octane gasoline, 0.45 yuan per liter for 95-octane gasoline, and 0.44 yuan per liter for 0-grade diesel, making a substantial upward adjustment in this cycle highly probable.
Should the increase materialize as anticipated on July 31, the price of 95-octane gasoline is expected to return to the 8-yuan-per-liter era across many regions nationwide.
Influenced by the US-Iran conflict, international oil prices surged on July 21. At the time of writing, Brent crude had broken through $91.49 per barrel.
Optimal Times for Refueling
Since gasoline is sold by volume rather than weight, and due to the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, fuel volume expands during the high temperatures of midday and contracts during the cooler morning and evening hours. Consequently, refueling in the morning or evening yields more mass for the same volume, making it more economical.
When refueling, drivers can request the attendant to add fuel in increments of 10 liters, such as 10, 20, and so on, to maximize value.
Six Fuel-Saving Tips to Remember
Driving Habits: The "Core Switch" for Fuel Consumption
Aggressively accelerating from a stop and frequent hard braking can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%. Instead, apply gentle pressure on the accelerator during startup, allowing the engine speed to rise smoothly and avoiding high-load operation. Maintain a steady speed while driving, aiming for 60-80 km/h on urban roads and not exceeding 120 km/h on highways, as most vehicles are most fuel-efficient in this range. When approaching a red light or traffic congestion, release the accelerator early to coast rather than braking hard at the last moment. This reduces brake wear and saves a significant amount of fuel.
Vehicle Load: Don't Let Your Car "Carry Extra Weight"
Items left long-term in the trunk, roof racks, and external storage boxes on the trunk may seem insignificant, but they increase aerodynamic drag and vehicle weight. Tests show that for every additional 100 kilograms of weight, fuel consumption rises by 5% to 8%. Regularly clear out unnecessary items from the trunk and remove unused external accessories to let your car travel lighter, naturally reducing fuel consumption.
Air Conditioning Use: Choosing the Right Mode Saves More Than "Not Using It"
Many believe using air conditioning consumes more fuel, but driving with windows down can be even less efficient. At speeds below 60 km/h, opening windows for ventilation is more fuel-efficient than using the AC. However, at speeds over 80 km/h, the aerodynamic drag from open windows consumes far more fuel than the energy used by the AC compressor. Additionally, when turning on the AC, open the windows for about two minutes first to expel hot air from the cabin before closing them and setting the cooling. Setting the temperature between 24-26°C and using the recirculation mode can reduce the load on the AC system, further saving fuel.
Regular Maintenance: Keeping the Engine "Working Efficiently"
The engine is the "heart" of the vehicle, and poor maintenance directly leads to higher fuel consumption. Change the engine oil on schedule using the manufacturer's recommended grade, as oil that is too thick increases engine operating resistance. Regularly clean the air filter; a clogged filter restricts airflow to the engine, leading to incomplete combustion. Check tire pressure, as under-inflation increases the contact patch and rolling resistance. For every 0.3 bar decrease in pressure, fuel consumption may rise by 1%.
Route Planning: Avoiding Congestion Saves Fuel
Idling in traffic jams only increases fuel consumption without moving the vehicle forward. Before heading out, use a navigation app to check real-time traffic conditions and avoid congested routes and peak hours. Opt for routes with fewer traffic lights and smoother traffic flow to reduce frequent stops and starts. For the same distance, a clear route can save over 20% in fuel compared to a congested one, while also saving travel time.
Attention to Detail: Small Habits That Also Save Fuel
If idling for extended periods (over 3 minutes), such as at a long red light or while waiting, turn off the engine to avoid unnecessary fuel waste. Refueling in the morning or evening is more economical due to thermal contraction, which increases fuel density, allowing you to get more mass per volume. There's no need to always "fill the tank" completely. For short urban trips, consider filling only half the tank to reduce vehicle weight; reserve a full tank for long journeys to avoid frequent, detoured trips to the gas station. Reduce aggressive acceleration for overtaking, as the sudden high engine RPM during passing causes a sharp spike in fuel consumption. Avoid unnecessary frequent lane changes and overtaking maneuvers.
Comments