Keeping the amount you pay for fuel to a minimum.

How can you keep the amount you pay for petrol or diesel to a minimum?

Try these tips:

​Drive efficiently. This is the best way to save money on fuel, and you can read our guide to saving fuel for more tips.

Get to know the filling stations close to where you live and work. Assuming there is competition between retailers, which seem to be competitive on price? Even taking a small detour to visit a cheap forecourt can save you a few pence per litre. Over one tank that’s noticeable: over 12 months’ motoring, that’s a saving that could stretch into the hundreds. And look beyond the supermarkets too – some independent retailers can be cost-competitive.

Use loyalty card schemes. Retailers run loyalty card schemes which come in handy when cutting fuel costs. The more you fill up, the more points you’ll accrue – you can then exchange these for vouchers off your next fill-up.

The likes of BP, Esso and Shell will usually add a wide range of special additives to their own fuels in order to improve efficiency and performance.  Tests suggest premium fuel can improve economy by up to four or five miles per gallon. If you’re a fleet driver doing 10,000 miles or more per year, this will more than offset the extra cost at the pump.

Consider credit card cashback. Some credit card companies offer cashback for spending money at filling stations. While it might not actually save you money at the pumps, it will offset higher petrol or diesel prices by putting something back in your account. Just remember to pay off your account within the month or your savings will be cancelled out.

Always aim to pay no more than the average price – check the latest fuel price data from the RAC – wherever you fill up.