Labor’s cutting the fuel excise, but there are other ways you can save on petrol

You can't make the pain at the pump vanish completely, but there are many ways to get the best price possible.

The war in Iran has sent Australian fuel prices soaring. And while the Australian government has just announced a 50% cut to the fuel excise for three months to lower petrol prices, higher costs are going to be with us for a while.

And while there's nothing the average Australian driver can do to unblock the Strait of Hormuz or change Donald Trump's mind on something, there are many ways they can save at the bowser.

1. Get on the apps

Fuel price monitoring apps, that is. There are official apps in most states that give you a real-time overview of prices:

• NSW. FuelCheck gives you the average price in the state and the cheapest price near you (just enter your postcode).
• VIC. Servo Saver is a fuel monitoring app from Service Victoria. This app also shows you the next day's official petrol price cap, the highest price petrol stations can set.
• QLD. You can use the RACQ Fuels and Deals app to monitor prices all over the state.
• WA. FuelWatch is the official fuel monitoring app for Western Australia, using public data.
• SA. In South Australia you can use the RAA website or app to check prices.
• TAS. Tasmanians can use the state government's FuelCheck TAS website and app.
• NT. In the Northern Territory there's MyFuel NT, a government website for fuel prices across the territory.

And there are also apps like PetrolSpy, which used crowdsourced data and let you filter by location, fuel type and price. It covers the whole country.

Even just a quick check of "petrol prices" on Google Maps will give you all the prices per litre at your local petrol stations.

2. Get membership discounts

It pays to be a joiner. Most petrol station chains have a membership program, or partner with Coles or Woollies.

This lets you earn points on your spending. While this won't save you money per litre when you fill up, those points have value too.

• Ampol. Link your Woolworths Everyday Rewards and save 4c per litre when you spend at least $30 at a Woolworths supermarket.
• Coles Express/Shell Reddy Express. This is the same deal if you link with Flybuys, with a saving of 4c per litre if you spend $30 at Coles. If you spend $20 in-store at a participating petrol station you also get 10c off per litre. Although any item you buy inside a petrol station is probably going to be cheaper elsewhere, so do the maths.
• My 7-Eleven app. You can use the My 7-Eleven app to earn Velocity Points on your fuel. And you can also use the fuel price lock in the app to lock in your price for up to 7 days. This is really helpful if you don't need to fill up right now but will soon.
• Automotive club memberships. Joining motoring clubs like the NRMA, RACV or RACQ has many benefits, and discounted fuel is often one of them. For example, My NRMA Rewards members can get a 5c per litre discount at Ampol Foodary service stations.

You might already be a member of a rewards program without knowing it, via a union, bank, health insurer or your super fund.

3. Embrace E10

E10 is the cheapest fuel option available. Many drivers avoid it because they think it's bad for their cars, but most modern cars these days can take it.

Research carefully if you're not sure. You can check if your car's engine is compatible via government sites like this one.

4. Slow down

Driving at slower speeds tends to use less petrol, and smooth, slower acceleration and braking are both more fuel efficient than slamming on the brakes or accelerator.

5. Lighten up

The heavier your car is, the more fuel you use to move it around. It makes sense. If you drive around with lots of stuff in the boot, ditch the non-essentials and drive lighter.

Roof racks can slow you down too by creating extra wind resistance. Even little things like driving with your windows down on the freeway can drag you down a bit.

6. Find alternative ways to travel

This won't work for everyone or every journey, but walking, cycling or using public transport will save you a lot on petrol.

These alternatives are also better for the environment and healthier for you too. E-bikes can also help you travel further without having to be a very fit cyclist.

And while switching to an electric vehicle is far from cheap in the short term, it could save you thousands a year in petrol costs.