Has the Gulf crisis changed your driving approach?

[JTQ]

Just in from a circular run that involved Winchester and Petersfield, diesel appears to be typically 179.9.

With growing concern that the Disco had to be fuelled, as I covered the last few miles a two pump very minor indy garage located in an adjacent village to home had it at 170.9.
"Strange" how even buying at that price one can feel some relief, more so with the amount the Disco's tank took. Tried not to linger on the £s as I filled in my fuel log!

 

[otherclive]

Will it get worse?
Asda Settle £179.9. Why not say £1.80?

I’ve a friend in Canberra planning to sell his Subaru Outback for a hybrid car as fuel is now £1.29 litre. Isn’t going PHEV or EV as he does some long distances and charging would be problematic on some routes.

 

[Dustydog]

Today whilst out Asda Settle whacked diesel upto £184.9. RR could give us back the bonus she is getting on the extra VAT🙀

 

[otherclive]

It’s interesting that in the mid 70s crisis, the price of oil went from $3 to $11 a barrel, so proportionately we still have a way to go. Government efforts were focused on. encouraging drivers to drive less and more slowly, with public transport to be used more. Speed limits on motorway were reduced. To depress usage further Dennis Healey put VAT on petrol at 25%. Derv didn’t attract VAT. Ration coupons were issued but not used. But no calls for government giveaways to help drivers.

 

[Dustydog]

Worth noting it was 8% before the new 25%, lasted a year ish then reduced to 12.5%.
Could this be the end of caravanning🙉

 

[otherclive]

Worth noting it was 8% before the new 25%, lasted a year ish then reduced to 12.5%.
Could this be the end of caravanning🙉

I don’t think it’s the end of caravanning as the mid 70s VAT increase didn’t lead to the end of caravanning. But these days people seem less resilient and seek Government help far earlier than yesteryear. Yet should be prepared to change their approach where possible by driving less, driving slower, using public transport etc, that way fuel stocks and supplies can be eked out until the present global crisis is resolved. Until then people would still be paying for expensive fuel but still able to get to work and make other important journeys. From my post at #1 it was clear that things might get difficult and we had by then changed our approach to driving and outings in order to conserve fuel usage. But at least we aren’t having 2000 lb precision munitions raining down on us.

 

[otherclive]

Now within striking distance of a holiday in the Forest of Dean/Monmouthshire and the car has been used just enough to keep it charged and the fuel level high. Pity next weeks forecast looks rubbish, but you cannot win them all. Our little Kia Rio has been doing sterling duty. Even our grandson was impressed with its economy at 50mpg+ when he and three friends went to London last weekend. My wife insisted it was returned with a full tank too.

 

[Tobes]

My daughter and her partner came to visit over Easter. It's a 260 mile drive. Previously they used their Volvo v40 T2 petrol averaging something like 45mpg. This time they used their Corsa-e. They reckoned the Volvo could do the return trip on one tank brimmed and on fumes on when they got home. The corsa needed one longer charge (30 mins) and a splash and dash on each leg. Total cost for the Corsa was about £77, of which about £16 was granny lead at our house. 60l of petrol ay 160 is about £96, so it seems to have been a small saving for them (£35) but about 1/3 of the bill.

 

[Beachball]

Hardly use the Ford Kuga Hybrid it still got a full tank but we are going out tomorrow to Castleford Retail Park that roughly 110 miles around trip meeting my brother-in-law at a pub, . Our break is coming up to Wrexham to sort out the seasonal caravan it our first time this year so we have extended our stay a bit longer. But we will be keeping the speed down on motorways .

 

[Dustydog]

Hardly use the Ford Kuga Hybrid it still got a full tank but we are going out tomorrow to Castleford Retail Park that roughly 110 miles around trip meeting my brother-in-law at a pub, . Our break is coming up to Wrexham to sort out the seasonal caravan it our first time this year so we have extended our stay a bit longer. But we will be keeping the speed down on motorways .

Like you BB even though the fuel has gone up loads, it will not stop our tours this year. It’s now approximately 40 p more a litre. Trip coming up is not too far so whilst dearer we can cope.
Long distance trips to Scotland will be different. The biggest concern has to be rationing, unavailability, and being stranded.
Our next trip next Thursday is 70 miles, an easy M4 drive mostly , so is achievable without too much hurt. And enough fuel for the entire trip.