7/1/2008

Fuel prices in Japan is not spared when the barrel goes up in a spike. Prices have reached an all time high since 1987 in Japan, with the 180yen mark hit. Currently, fuel prices in Japan is 182yen per litre shortly after 9am on Thursday last week. Read more.

With the price increase, we should look for other alternatives. Bicycling is a good option. So is walking.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Japan comes out with a car that feeds on purely water and has ball bearings for wheels just like in the movie I,Robot. :) No, it wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Here are 5 things you can do to save up some money in lieu of the price hike in fuel:

1. Car Pool – when 4 people share the cost of 184yen/liter, it really saves up. Plus, you get meet more people and have meaningful relationships while you are in the car.
2. Public transportation – duh, for obvious reasons. Japan has one of the best public transportation system in the world!
3. Walk, Jog, Run – if your work place is close by, say 15 minutes walk, but all means take it. It is healthy for you and you can save up a lot of money from not driving and treat yourself to a nice dinner or a Gucci bag.
4. Hitch Hike – A lot of people during the 60s and the 70s, hitch hike their way to different states. It saves them a whole ton of money and they might even learn a thing or two during the trip. Carry a pepper spray with you, just in case.
5. Go hybrid – if fuel is expensive, and your need to drive to work, go hybrid or go electric. The earth will thank you. Although hybrid cars are not cheap right now, think about it in the long run, you will save more money this way.

So what would YOU do in times of this fuel spike?