Still high fuel prices cause everyone to drive less

Fuel prices have been high for a long time, which is felt in the wallets of Swedish motorists. So much so that almost every second person now says they drive less. The biggest reduction is seen in Dalarna, Värmland and Gävleborg counties.

The fact that it has become more expensive to fill up a car is plaguing more and more Swedes. When we, through Sifo, asked over 1,000 motorists in January how they had been affected by the high fuel prices, 44 percent responded that they had reduced their use of the car. This is an increase of almost 30 percent compared to when the same question was asked in March last year (34%).

– Fuel prices are actually lower today than when we last asked the question, but now motorists must also take into account that virtually all other costs have risen, and that of course makes it more difficult to put together the calculation. Many have been forced to change their previous driving habits, says Daniel Odsberg, sales manager Kvdbil .

Income and residence play a big role

Among those earning up to SEK 25,000 a month, 56 percent have reduced their car use, compared with 37 percent for those with an income over SEK 35,000. In the metropolitan regions of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, 36 percent say they now use their car less, compared with 48 percent in other parts of the country. Car use has decreased the most in Dalarna, Värmland and Gävleborg counties (53%), closely followed by Jönköping, Kronoberg, Kalmar and Gotland counties (51%).

– It is clear that the losers in this situation are people who live in rural areas. They are the ones who now have to find other ways to get to work, pick up their children from preschool or get them to training. The problem is that alternatives are often lacking, or do not suit everyone. If we want a vibrant rural area where people can live and work all year round, it is time to do something about the high fuel prices, concludes Odsberg.