In a recent episode of his ITV Money Show Live, financial expert Martin Lewis highlighted a crucial mistake that could lead to excessive fuel consumption in cars. According to Lewis, this 'money burner' can cause vehicles to use 30% more fuel, exacerbating the impact of soaring petrol and diesel prices across UK forecourts. With petrol now 10p more expensive than before recent geopolitical escalations and diesel costs having surged by 20p a litre, drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump.

The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has pointed out that rising fuel prices are placing significant financial strain on motorists, with the average price of unleaded petrol reaching 142.3p per litre, marking a 7.1% increase since late February. Diesel prices have seen a more dramatic rise, with averages climbing to 162.1p per litre—a nearly 14% uptick over the last two weeks. In light of these rising costs, Lewis has suggested actionable changes that drivers can make to reduce their fuel consumption, potentially cutting expenses significantly during this period of escalating fuel prices.

Lewis’s advice comes as part of a broader discussion around the impact of current events, including conflicts in the Middle East, on the cost of fuel. With conditions continuing to evolve, the RAC and financial experts like Lewis are urging drivers to be proactive in managing their vehicle usage and fuel consumption strategies to mitigate the financial burden of fuel expenses, especially as geopolitical tensions persist and prices remain volatile.