Finding Affordable Diesel: Tips And Tricks

how to find cheap diesel fuel

Finding cheap diesel fuel can be challenging, especially with fluctuating prices and varying state fuel taxes. However, there are several strategies to locate and purchase diesel fuel at affordable rates. One option is to use fuel price tracking apps and websites, such as GasBuddy, which help users find the cheapest gas stations in their area. Additionally, certain states, like Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi, are known for their low diesel fuel prices due to lower taxes. For truckers, the OTR Fuel Card and Mobile App can be beneficial, offering diesel fuel discounts at a wide range of stations. Implementing these strategies can help drivers save money on diesel fuel costs.

Characteristics Values
States with cheap diesel Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi
Fuel price tracking apps GasBuddy, OTR Mobile App
Fuel cards GasBuddy card, OTR Fuel Card
Loyalty schemes Boosting Nectar points, Tesco vouchers
Other tips Fill up more often but put less fuel, drive smoothly, keep your car well-maintained

shunfuel

Use fuel price tracking apps and websites

Fuel price tracking apps and websites are a great way to stay updated on diesel fuel prices in your area. These tools can help you locate the cheapest fuel stations, saving you a significant amount of money, especially if you drive a lot.

The OTR Mobile App is specifically designed for truckers and features a Fuel Finder tool. This tool helps you locate fuel stations along your route, highlighting those with the best diesel fuel discounts. The app also shows you which stations accept the OTR Fuel Card, a card that offers diesel fuel discounts at a wide range of stations across the U.S.

There are also several other apps available that provide real-time fuel prices, price drop notifications, and tips on saving fuel. For example, GasBuddy helps you find the cheapest gas stations and provides directions to reach them. It also offers shopping and dining deals, allowing you to earn GasBack, which can be spent at the pump.

Other apps that provide similar services include Fuelio, which is a fuel log, mileage, and costs tracker, and FuelCheck, a government-developed app in New South Wales, Australia. In Queensland, Australia, the government website provides a list of approved third-party apps that provide real-time fuel prices, including PetrolSpy and MotorMouth.

These apps and websites can be invaluable in helping you find cheap diesel fuel, so be sure to explore the options available in your region and take advantage of their features to save money on your fuel costs.

shunfuel

Refuel in states with low fuel taxes

Refuelling in states with low fuel taxes can help you save money on diesel fuel. While the federal tax on diesel fuel has remained unchanged since 1993, state taxes vary across the US. As of January 1, 2025, the average state tax on diesel fuel was $0.35/gal, but some states have much lower rates.

Alaska, Mississippi, and Hawaii have the lowest diesel taxes in the US, at $0.0895/gal, $0.1840/gal, and $0.1850/gal, respectively. These states offer significant savings compared to others. For example, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania have the highest diesel taxes, with rates of $0.9212/gal, $0.7460/gal, and $0.7410/gal, respectively.

Other states known for their low diesel fuel prices include Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Arkansas. These states have relatively low fuel taxes and, in some cases, competitive pricing, making them smart refuelling stops for drivers looking to reduce operational costs.

To maximise your savings, it's advisable to avoid refuelling in states with high fuel taxes. Instead, plan your route to include stops in states with lower fuel taxes. This strategy can make a significant difference in your overall fuel expenses, especially on long-distance trips.

Poison Ivy Problems? Try Diesel Fuel

You may want to see also

shunfuel

Use fuel cards for discounts

Fuel cards are a great way to get diesel discounts and can be a very effective tool for managing diesel costs. Fuel cards are a specialised type of payment card, which can be loaded with funds and used to purchase fuel. They are designed to help truckers and trucking companies to manage their fuel expenses more effectively and come with benefits such as expense tracking, detailed reporting, and fuel discount rates.

There are several fuel card options available, each with its own advantages. The OTR Fuel Card is accepted at over 2,200 stations across the US and offers diesel discounts at many of these stations. The discounts vary by location but can add up to significant savings over time. The OTR Mobile App can be used alongside the card to locate the stations offering the biggest discounts.

The TCS Fuel Card is another popular option, offering an average saving of 44 cents per gallon. The card can be used at over 2,000 in-network locations, including TA, Petro Stopping Centers, and Maverik. The TCS Fuel Savings Calculator can be used to estimate potential savings. One customer review states that they received a discount of up to 86 cents per gallon. The card also offers access to cash advances at truck stops, a feature not commonly found in other cards.

The AtoB Fuel Card is also worth considering, with customers saving an average of $0.46 per gallon. The card is accepted anywhere and comes with a dashboard that allows users to set spending limits, track live usage, and generate expense reports.

Finally, the GasBuddy card is accepted at a ton of stations and offers savings of up to 25 cents per gallon. The GasBuddy app can be used alongside the card to locate the cheapest gas prices.

Storing Diesel: How Much Can You Carry?

You may want to see also

shunfuel

Plan ahead for cheaper filling stations

Fuel prices can vary significantly from station to station, so it's worth planning ahead to find the cheapest filling stations. Here are some tips to help you save money on diesel fuel:

Use fuel price tracking apps and websites: Keep an eye on diesel fuel prices in your area by using tools such as GasBuddy or the OTR Mobile App. These apps allow you to explore real-time fuel prices and trends in specific areas, helping you locate the cheapest filling stations.

Compare prices in different states: Certain states have lower fuel taxes, which can result in cheaper diesel prices. For example, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi are known for their competitive diesel fuel prices. If you're travelling through or near these states, consider refuelling there to take advantage of the lower prices.

Take advantage of discount diesel programs: Many fuel companies offer discount programs or loyalty schemes that can help you save money. For example, the OTR Fuel Card offers diesel fuel discounts at over 2,200 stations across the US, and the GasBuddy card can save you up to 25 cents on every gallon.

Plan your refuelling stops: Try to avoid waiting until your tank is nearly empty before refuelling. This gives you the flexibility to choose a cheaper filling station rather than being forced to stop at the next available station. Planning your refuelling stops can also help you take advantage of specific stations with consistently low prices.

Consider the weight of the fuel: Filling your car's tank adds significant weight, which can impact fuel efficiency. Instead of always filling your tank completely, try filling up more frequently but only partially (half or three-quarters full). This can help improve your car's fuel efficiency, especially when combined with finding cheaper filling stations.

shunfuel

Improve fuel efficiency by keeping your tank half-full

Keeping your tank half-full can be a great way to improve fuel efficiency. While it may not be feasible for everyone to keep their tank perpetually at this level, it is a strategy that can help save money on fuel costs.

Firstly, a half-full tank improves your car's power-to-weight ratio. The added weight of a full tank of fuel can cause your car to consume slightly more fuel. By reducing the weight, you are improving fuel efficiency and saving money.

Secondly, keeping your tank half-full can help you stay on budget. Filling up to a set amount each time can help you keep track of your expenses and ensure you don't overspend. This is especially useful if you are on a tight budget and need to carefully manage your fuel costs.

Additionally, a half-full tank can save you money by reducing the number of trips you make to the gas station. While this may not be a significant concern for those living near a gas station, for others, it can be a considerable time and money saver. By reducing the frequency of trips, you are also reducing the amount of fuel used to get to the gas station, further improving your overall fuel efficiency.

However, it is important to note that a half-full tank may not be the best option for everyone. For those with busy schedules, filling up the tank less frequently can save time. Additionally, for those with efficient engines and driving habits, the impact on fuel efficiency may be negligible.

To further improve fuel efficiency and save money, consider using tools like the GasBuddy app and fuel cards. These can help you locate the cheapest fuel prices and provide discounts, allowing you to maximize your savings.

Frequently asked questions

Use fuel price tracking apps and websites to stay updated on the diesel fuel prices in your area.

Yes, you can use the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest gas stations near you. The app also offers a GasBuddy card that can be used at a variety of stations to save money on fuel.

Yes, the OTR Mobile App has a Fuel Finder tool that helps you locate fuel stations with the best diesel fuel discounts.

Yes, you can fill up your tank more frequently but put less fuel in (up to half or three-quarters full) to make your car run more efficiently. You can also avoid refueling in states with high fuel taxes, such as California and New York, and instead opt for states with cheaper diesel fuel, such as Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Yes, in addition to finding cheap diesel fuel, these apps can also provide directions to gas stations, inform you of any vehicle recalls, and offer shopping and dining deals.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment