Shell undertakes fuel economy expedition

Fuel retailing giant Shell Ghana Limited last week embarked on a fuel economy expedition aimed at demonstrating the fuel saving qualities and tips of the ‘New Shell Diesel Extra’.

The demonstration was also used to confirm Shell Ghana’s commitment to conserving the environment and contribute to sustainable development, as well as taking advantage of Shell's fuel economy formula - users can save 10 percent or more fuel while driving.

Shell Ghana - which controls the lion’s-share of the market, estimated at 60,000 barrels daily - believes in effective and efficient management and control of fuel expenses by vehicle owners, motorists and businesses in the country.

International fuel economy driving experts, John and Helen Taylor, holders of the Guinness World record for the lowest fuel consumption and holders of many other national and international records on fuel economy, led the exercise named "Fuel Challenge Drive".

The voyage to test the qualities of the New Shell Diesel Extra started from the Accra Airport Shell, through the Tema Motorway to Sogakope in the Volta Region and back through Tema Township, Spintex Road and ended at Airport Shell Accra.

During the challenge drive, the Taylors explored several of Shell’s top-10 fuel-saving techniques.
"Fuel economy is maximised in the engine through a combination of good driving habits and using the right fuel.

The Shell fuel economy formula is designed to help reduce friction and improve cleanliness in the engine, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel than safe driving," the Taylors said.

They advised drivers and motorists to avoid accelerating or braking too hard and keep their steering as smooth as possible.

The Taylors said that changing gears carefully improves fuel consumption and that a well-tuned engine improves fuel economy.

In an interview with B&FT, Mr. Taylor said: "It is important that there are improvements in the way scarce energy resources are used. Shell has created the ‘New Diesel Extra’ with a fuel economy formula not only to respond to customers’ needs, but also keep ahead of industry trends."

Diesel is recognised for its fuel efficiency and Shell has built on that benefit by developing a new fuel economy formula, which if used in combination with Shell fuel save tips can help reduce customers’ trips to the pump."

The Taylors, who now live in Singapore, have established not less than 82 world driving records including 36 for fuel economy since 1982. This includes a 3,800km trip around South Africa in 2006.