Nearly two in five Australian motorists are deliberately driving slower or below the speed limit in an effort to cut fuel costs, new research shows.
A survey commissioned by Money.com.au found 39% of drivers use the tactic, including 23% who reduce their speed on suburban or arterial roads and 16% who mainly do so on highways or motorways.
Those who intentionally slow down travel an average of 7km/h below the posted speed limit.
Money.com.au head of insights Sean Callery says motorists are looking for ways to stretch each tank further, with the full fuel excise sitting at 53.7 cents per litre.
“Petrol is one of those grudge expenses, and with the full fuel excise now at 53.7 cents per litre, it makes sense that drivers are looking for small ways to save at the pump,” Callery says.
“While many Aussies are driving less or catching more public transport, others are simply easing off the accelerator to stretch every litre further.”
The research found younger motorists are more likely to change their driving habits, with 45% of Gen Z drivers slowing down to conserve fuel.
That compares with 42% of Millennials and 36% of both Gen X and Baby Boomers.
Gen Z motorists using the strategy also travel an average of 8km/h below the speed limit, compared with 7km/h for the other generations.
Callery says slowing down can improve fuel efficiency to a point, but motorists have other options to reduce costs.
“Smooth acceleration, keeping your tyres properly inflated and avoiding unnecessary weight in the car can also help improve fuel economy.”
The survey was conducted by Pureprofile in July 2026 and covered 1013 Australians, with results weighted by gender, age and location to reflect the Australian population.
