Expensive fuel is back in vogue with the start of the new year: many are looking for more or less functional tricks to save money
The beginning of 2023 has reserved nasty surprises for motorists throughout Italy. The government has not in fact extended it discount on excise duties which had been foreseen by the previous executive to deal with the increase in fuel prices. We had already had an appetizer in December with the reduction of the same discount, which has now completely disappeared in January. Now we are back to levels not seen in months.
In the hope that the petrol and diesel prices go down againunder the watchful eye of the government that tries to block any possible speculation by the more “sly” service stations, many people are devising more or less valid tricks in order to save a few euros on the price of the full tank.
Do these tricks work? Obviously not, because they aim to exploit some failures of the fuel delivery systems by trying to get a few euros more of petrol or diesel with illegal methods. However, we must not forget that almost all petrol stations are now equipped with sophisticated security systems which also include the use of video cameras: in a short time, in short, there is a real risk of being caught by the police.
So what to do? Take advantage of some legal tricks, which require a little patience but which in the long run actually allow you to save something every time you fill up.
The tricks that work to save something on a full tank of fuel
The “tricks” we are talking about are simply gods commercial methods all petrol stations have been applied for a while. At night, self-service is used to guarantee a little discount so as to attract customers who are willing to save something while refueling at an unusual time to say the least.
Usually these discounts are activated after 11pm and, although they are not big offers, in concrete terms they really give you a way to save a few euros in your pocket while still getting the fuel you need.
Similar speech can be made on some days of the week, even if in that case rather than talking about discounts we should discuss avoiding mysterious small increases. Unfortunately it is common practice to raise prices close to the weekend: it is the hottest period in which many travel for trips outside the city or decide to fill up for the following week.
This is why some service stations find themselves slightly increasing prices on Friday afternoons and then lowering them again on Monday evenings. Of course, this is not a correct practice that is constantly scrutinized by the tax police and the authorities: the fact is that, if you want to fill up, it is good to take advantage of the central days of the week and perhaps the night hours. This is it the only real way to save something to the distributor.
