A substantial decrease in domestic fuel prices is anticipated before the May Day holiday, potentially lowering the cost of self-drive travel. Recent trends in New York crude oil show a decline, influenced by signals from the U.S. regarding new negotiations with Iran and the International Energy Agency's downward revision of global oil demand expectations for the year. Overnight, international crude futures fell, with losses widening during trading on the 14th, closing below $92 per barrel for New York crude.

At the close, the price of light crude oil for May delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange dropped by $7.80 to settle at $91.28 per barrel, a decrease of 7.87%. Meanwhile, Brent crude for June delivery fell by $4.57 to $94.79 per barrel, down 4.6%. U.S. and Iranian delegations began talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the 11th, which concluded on the morning of the 12th without any agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump hinted on the 14th that the two nations might return to the negotiating table in Pakistan within the next two days.

An energy market consulting firm in the U.S. noted on the 14th that market movements over the past 24 hours indicate crude oil trading is currently more influenced by news developments than by supply-demand fundamentals. Although spot markets in the Middle East are far from normal, pricing already reflects expectations of a de-escalation in tensions.

The International Energy Agency, in its latest monthly oil market report released on the 14th, lowered its global oil demand forecast for 2026, projecting a reduction of 80,000 barrels per day. Specifically, second-quarter global demand is expected to fall by 1.5 million barrels per day, the largest quarterly decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency suggested that supply disruptions caused by conflicts involving Iran would suppress oil demand this year.

Following six consecutive increases, positive news has emerged: fuel prices are expected to see a significant drop. According to calculations by JLC, as of April 15, the sixth working day of the current pricing cycle, the average reference crude price was $98.45 per barrel, with a change rate of -5.50%. This corresponds to a projected reduction of 510 yuan per ton in domestic gasoline and diesel retail prices. When converted per liter, the decrease amounts to approximately 0.42 yuan. The final reduction will depend on international oil price movements over the coming days, though minor adjustments may occur during the pricing mechanism's operation. The adjustment is scheduled to take effect at 24:00 on April 21, with the final price set by the National Development and Reform Commission on that day.

So far this year, domestic gasoline and diesel prices have undergone six successive increases. For example, in Zhejiang Province, the price of 92-octane gasoline has risen from the 6-yuan range to the 8-yuan range, even approaching 9 yuan, accumulating an increase of 2.19 yuan per liter since the start of the year. Filling a standard car tank (assuming 50 liters) now costs an extra 109.5 yuan. Currently, retail prices in Zhejiang for 92-octane gasoline, 95-octane gasoline, and 0-grade diesel are 8.87 yuan, 9.43 yuan, and 8.58 yuan per liter, respectively.

While saving money by refueling during a price drop is beneficial, paying attention to safety details and avoiding vehicle damage is more important than the savings. Refueling early in the morning or late at night is most cost-effective. Since gasoline is sold by volume rather than weight, and it expands with heat and contracts with cold, refueling during cooler periods means getting more mass for the same volume, making it more economical. This may seem minor, but for daily drivers, small savings add up significantly.

When driving in the city, it is advisable not to fill the tank completely. Frequent stopping and starting in traffic can increase engine load and fuel consumption if the tank is full. With numerous gas stations in urban areas, there is no need to fill up entirely; keeping the tank below two-thirds full can reduce the burden on the fuel system. Notably, vehicles with smaller engines or those driven infrequently should carry even less fuel. With current high prices, reducing fuel volume in summer can also minimize evaporation losses, serving as an additional fuel-saving technique.

Additionally, it is recommended to slow down the refueling rate as the tank nears full. Rapid refueling can cause fuel and vapor to expand too quickly, potentially leading to spillage. Avoid waiting until the fuel warning light comes on before refueling. A lit indicator suggests the fuel level is below the fuel pump. Consistently refueling at this point, or letting the tank run nearly dry, can shorten the pump's lifespan or even cause it to burn out. Low fuel levels may also draw sediment from the tank bottom, clogging the pump or fuel lines. Drivers should monitor the fuel gauge and refuel when it shows one-quarter remaining, rather than waiting for the warning light. Repairs for components like the fuel pump and oxygen sensors can be costly.

When refueling, specify the amount in liters rather than a monetary value. Asking for a set amount, such as 10 or 20 liters, ensures accuracy and maximizes value, preventing rounding discrepancies that could disadvantage the consumer.