Petrol consumption in the UK has dropped 15 per cent since the global economy fell into recession.
According to research by the AA, petrol sales in the first six months of 2011 were 1.7bn less than the same period of 2008.
The reduction in sales is thought to be driven by the record fuel prices, as drivers cut down on non-essential journeys and took to other modes of transport such as walking and cycling for shorter journeys.
A fall in petrol prices is also influenced by the rising fuel economy of the average UK car over the last three years as manufacturers focus on eeking out more miles to the gallon from their latest car models.
Both private car users and businesses have cut down on journeys in a bid to cut fuel costs, the organisation reports.
The fall in sales equates to a reduction of 40,000 delivery rounds of fully-laden petrol tankers, the BBC reports.
Although the fall in sales means less emissions and cleaner air, another effect of the fall is that the Treasury lost out on nearly £1bn in fuel duty between January and June this year.
A four pence increase in fuel duty is planned for 2012.
