Petrol is one of the essential resources in the world we live in today. It powers cars, vans, trucks, and other vehicles. The price of petrol, however, varies depending on the country you reside in. This article will focus on the price of petrol in South Africa and how much it costs per kilometer.
How Much Does Petrol Cost In South Africa?
The price of petrol in South Africa changes every month, and the cost for unleaded petrol (95 Octane) Inland was R16.32 per litre as of July 2021. The price of petrol, however, differs depending on your location. If you reside near the coast, the price of petrol will be cheaper than inland as the cost of transporting it inland would add to the price.
How Much Petrol Is Needed to Travel a Kilometer?
The amount of petrol needed to travel one kilometre differs depending on the vehicle you are driving, the traffic, and the terrain. However, there are average estimates to calculate the amount of petrol needed to cover a kilometre using different vehicles.
Small Cars
Small cars are known to have good fuel efficiency, meaning they can travel more kilometres on a litre of petrol. As a result, small cars usually use approximately 7.5 – 8 litres of petrol to cover 100 kilometres, which is equivalent to 12.5 – 13.3 km/l.
Medium Cars
Medium-sized vehicles typically use more petrol than small cars because they are heavier and have a larger engine capacity. On average, medium-sized vehicles would use approximately 9 – 10 litres of petrol to travel 100 kilometres, which is equivalent to 10 – 11.1 km/l.
SUV's and Large Cars
SUVs and larger vehicles have a larger engine capacity, making them less fuel-efficient than smaller vehicles. These vehicles can use around 14 – 15 litres of petrol to travel 100 kilometres, which is equivalent to 6.7 – 7.1 km/l.
Helpful Tips to Save Petrol
Petrol can be expensive, and it's always wise to adopt different methods to save on petrol. Here are some tips to help reduce petrol consumption:
- Drive at a steady pace: Driving at a consistent speed helps reduce fuel consumption compared to sudden acceleration and braking.
- Remove unnecessary weight: Any extra weight in the vehicle will result in higher fuel consumption. Remove any unneeded items from the car.
- Service your vehicle regularly: Keeping your car regularly serviced helps maintain fuel efficiency.
- Control unnecessary idling: Idling consumes fuel, so switch off your engine when idling for an extended period.
Conclusion
Petrol consumption varies depending on the vehicle, traffic, and terrain. Small cars are known for their excellent fuel efficiency, while larger vehicles tend to be less efficient. The cost of petrol per kilometre is a factor when it comes to vehicles' running costs, so it's important to keep an eye on your petrol consumption. Adopting fuel-saving tips such as consistent driving, vehicle maintenance, and removing unnecessary weight can significantly improve petrol consumption.
