While walking, cycling, or taking public transport can help to soften the blow of high fuel costs, sometimes a trip in the car is unavoidable.

Costco Oldham (Members only)

If you have a Costco membership, this is the cheapest for you. Costco membership starts from £33.60 a year for an individual, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Unleaded: 169.7p.
• Diesel: 179.7p.

The price has come down a bit from mid-June, when a litre of unleaded would have set you back 174.7p, and Diesel 181.7p.

However, prices are still much higher than when we started to take a closer look at fuel prices back in March – when unleaded was 146.9p and diesel 151.9p.

Gulf, Lees Village Service Station

• Unleaded: 178.8p.
• Diesel: 185.9p.

Again, much higher than in March - when unleaded was 157.9p and diesel 169.9p.

Sainsbury’s Oldham

In June, prices a litre of unleaded would set you back 182.9p, and diesel 189.9p. Unleaded is slightly cheaper at Sainsbury’s now, with Diesel slightly higher:

• Unleaded: 180.9p.
• Diesel: 190.9p.

Sainsbury’s in the town centre

Prices in March were a comparatively cheap 148.9p and 153.9p, respectively.

Tesco Chadderton

• Unleaded: 182.9p.
• Diesel: 192.9p

In March you’d have paid 153.9 for unleaded, and 156.9 for Diesel.

How to cut costs now

The best way to cut your costs immediately is by cutting down driving, where possible.

Walking and cycling

Walking or cycling short journeys is a great way to save money on fuel.

Folding bikes could also mean driving part of the journey and cycling the rest – potentially cutting parking costs too if it means parking somewhere cheaper as a result.

Those interested in seeing if cycling is for them can borrow a bike for free under a new scheme in Oldham.

A cyclist (Lordn / Shutterstock)

Public transport

Public transport is also an alternative – with concessionary fares available for many.

Those who qualify for state pension can get a free travel pass for Greater Manchester’s buses and need to pay £10 per year to add tram and train travel to the pass.

First Manchester buses at Oldham Bus Station. Picture: Google Maps

Plus, getting rid of the car will mean no more insurance or vehicle excise duty to pay.

Changing the way you drive

Carpooling also cuts fuel costs per person.

Electric cars are a great way to avoid rising fuel costs – if you can afford them. They’re also exempt from vehicle tax.

Travelling in a more efficient or lighter vehicle can also make it so you don’t have to fill up as much.

Source: PetrolPrices.com.

Have you found somewhere with cheaper fuel in and around Oldham? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.