worried by predictions that fuel duty will rise in the spring Budget? Don’t be. In the terrific scheme of things, minor price increases at the pumps from next month are no big deal. There are massively more important things for automobile users to concern themselves with during their motoring and non-motoring lives. True, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has a circa £400billion Covid-linked debt, so he’s likely to make already-highly taxed petrol and diesel even more expensive. but put this still-unconfirmed increase in context by understanding that it will probably result in the weekly fuel bill for a typical private driver rising by a negligible amount. 
Advertisement – article continues below

But even with such Treasury-led price hikes at the pumps, there’s no need for Mr, Mrs or Ms average driver to spend more on fuel from one year to the next. If your limit for petrol or diesel expenditure for 2020 was, say, £1,200, it really is possible to keep it at the £1,200pa level again in 2021 – even if prices rise. How? just go a little easier on the accelerator pedal; boycott motorway service area pumps; don’t drive during energy-sapping rush hours if there’s an option for you to do your driving when congestion eases, thereby allowing your automobile to drink less. 

Most economical SUVs, 4x4s and crossovers 2022

Also, ongoing lockdowns, less commuting to traditional workplaces, more working from home, increased online shopping and deliveries, plus other travel-reducing measures mean lower average mileages. and fewer miles = reduced fuel expenditure = lower fuel bills.