A significant reduction 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 the global oil demand forecast for this year. Overnight, international crude oil futures prices fell, with losses deepening 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%. The price for London Brent crude for June delivery fell by $4.57 to close at $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. On the 14th, the U.S. President hinted that the two countries 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 flow than by supply-demand fundamentals. Although the spot market in the Middle East is far from normal, pricing already reflects expectations for a de-escalation of 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, global demand in the second quarter is expected to decrease by 1.5 million barrels per day, the largest quarterly drop since the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency believes that the oil supply shock resulting from the conflict involving Iran will suppress oil demand this year.

Following six consecutive increases, a substantial price cut is now expected. According to calculations by JLC, as of April 15th, the sixth working day of the current pricing cycle, the average reference crude oil 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. Converted per liter, the decrease is approximately 0.42 yuan. The final reduction will depend on the performance of international oil prices over the next few working days, although minor adjustments based on circumstances are possible during the pricing mechanism's operation. This adjustment cycle concludes at 24:00 on April 21st, with the final prices to be announced by the National Development and Reform Commission on that day. So far this year, domestic gasoline and diesel prices have experienced a wave of six consecutive increases. Taking 92-octane gasoline in Zhejiang Province as an example, prices have jumped 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 (calculated as 50 liters) now costs an extra 109.5 yuan. Currently, the retail prices for 92-octane gasoline, 95-octane gasoline, and 0-diesel in Zhejiang Province are 8.87 yuan per liter, 9.43 yuan per liter, and 8.58 yuan per liter, respectively.

While taking advantage of lower prices to save money is beneficial, paying attention to safety details and avoiding vehicle damage during refueling is more important than saving a small amount. Refueling in the early morning or late evening is most economical. Since gasoline is sold by volume rather than weight, and it expands with heat and contracts with cold, gasoline occupies less volume during the cooler morning and evening hours. Therefore, refueling at these times yields more mass for the same volume, making it more cost-effective. The cumulative effect can be significant for daily drivers. It is also advisable not to fill the fuel tank completely when driving in urban areas. Frequent stopping and starting in city traffic increases engine load if the tank is full, leading to higher fuel consumption. With numerous gas stations available in cities, it is unnecessary to fill the tank completely; it is recommended not to exceed two-thirds capacity to reduce the burden on the tank space. Notably, vehicles with smaller engines, which consume less fuel, and those driven infrequently should have even less fuel added. With current high prices, adding less fuel in summer can also reduce evaporation waste, serving as another fuel-saving technique. Additionally, it is important to slow down the pumping speed when the tank is nearly full to prevent splashing caused by rapidly expanding vapor and displaced air that cannot be released quickly.

It is best not to wait until the fuel warning light comes on before refueling. The light indicates the fuel level has dropped below the fuel pump. Consistently refueling only at this point, or letting the tank run nearly dry, can shorten the fuel pump's lifespan or even cause it to burn out. Furthermore, when fuel levels are very low, the pump is more likely to draw sediment from the bottom of the tank, potentially leading to clogging or blockages in the fuel line. Drivers are advised to monitor the fuel gauge regularly and refuel when the gauge shows approximately one-quarter tank remaining, rather than waiting for the warning light. Repairs for components like the fuel pump and oxygen sensors can be expensive. When refueling, it is better to specify the amount in liters rather than a monetary value. Instructing station attendants to "add 300 yuan worth of fuel" can sometimes lead to rounding discrepancies. To maximize value, drivers can request fuel in specific liter increments, such as 10 liters or 20 liters.