Managing fuel price increases

Start with actual travel

• Record normal weekly kilometres and fuel spend.
• Separate essential work or school travel from flexible trips.
• Combine errands and compare safe public or shared transport where practical.
• Maintain tyres and service intervals to avoid unnecessary fuel use.

Update the monthly budget

Use the latest fuel spend in an affordability calculation. Do not assume the increase is temporary when deciding whether a new repayment is manageable.

Borrowing is not a permanent fuel plan

Short-term credit may address a genuine once-off emergency, but repeatedly borrowing for normal travel costs can make the next month more difficult. Seek a sustainable adjustment where possible.