10 ways to manage energy and fuel needs in short term global crises
With global events having chain reactions that lead to inconvenient hikes in the prices of fuel and energy, here are a few tips to get us by while we all hope for the best and wait out the situation:
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When using a vehicle, plan your route ahead of time and spend less time on the road.
Always take the most fuel-efficient route. A shorter route may not always mean lesser fuel gets used but a shorter time on the road definitely will. -
Schedule your travel on off-peak hours.
Optimize fuel usage by maximizing distance over fuel consumption. -
Keep fuel containers in case of emergency shortages.
This is not to stock up fuel but to be able to have a fuel transport mechanism in case you run out of fuel. Note: Unless you are equipped and have proper permits, storing large quantities of fuel is not recommended. -
Plan your meal cooking schedule.
Limiting the count of your cooking sessions will save you gas or electricity. -
Use energy efficient cookers whenever possible
Not all cookers are equal in energy or fuel consumption in heating food per given period. Currently, induction cookers are the most efficient. These cookers however, require special cooking vessels. -
If using LPG or similar for cooking, make sure the fuel lines are not clogged or leaking.
Make sure the flame produced is at the maximum possible for any given time. Flickering flames with almost no blue tint can indicate blockage or low fuel. Leaks pose a risk to life and limb and waste your cooking fuel over time. -
Make sure the cooktop is free of debris.
Any and all materials not being cooked simply steals the heat away from the cookware. This reduces the heating and causes longer cooking times -
Prepare for fuel shortages.
Higher costs of fuel may also trigger shortages. Have at least one butane stove and stock up on small fuel canisters for emergency use -
Use charcoal grills
When push comes to shove and fuel is no longer within reach, turn to charcoal. It's relatively cheap and is easily accessible for the most part. BBQ, anyone? -
Be optimistic and only get what you need.
Hoarding of fuel is not advisable as this normally exacerbates the issue. Stock up only what you need... no more than a couple weeks worth. Beyond that, you expose yourself to fire hazards as well as contribute to the price fluctuation.
We hope you find these tips useful. Share with us how you are preparing for situations like this.