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The answer is yes, unfortunately. With ongoing tensions affecting one of the world’s key oil shipping routes, Singaporeans are feeling the pinch. But here is the good news. You do not need to overhaul your entire life or live like a hermit to get through this.

This guide is just a collection of small, practical tips from one Singaporean to another. Take what works for you. Leave what does not. No judgment here.

A Little Context, Quickly

The Hormuz Strait is a narrow passage where about 20 percent of the world’s oil passes through. When there is trouble there, oil prices go up. Singapore imports almost all its energy, so we feel it fast. More expensive petrol also means more expensive transport, which means hawker food, groceries, and household essentials may cost a bit more too.

But instead of worrying about things we cannot control, let us focus on small tweaks that actually help.

Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank

Singapore’s public transport is honestly amazing. But many of us still grab the car keys out of habit. Try taking the MRT or bus for just one extra trip this week. You might find it is not so bad.

If you really need your car, here are a few painless ways to save fuel:

• Combine errands into one trip instead of spreading them out

• Clear out your boot. Extra weight means extra fuel.

• Check your tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres use more petrol.

For short trips to the coffee shop or supermarket, try walking or cycling. You save fuel, get some fresh air, and might even discover a new favourite stall along the way.

And speaking of supermarkets, this is also a great time to use your CDC vouchers wisely. Heartland supermarkets accept them, so you can stretch your dollar while supporting local businesses. We have a full guide on the best local coffee shops and heartland supermarkets where you can use your CDC vouchers. Buying local is not just good for the neighbourhood. It also cuts down on transport costs and emissions from big delivery trucks.

Shopping Without the Sticker Shock

When prices go up, it helps to be a little more intentional about grocery shopping. Here is what works for many families:

Check your fridge before you head out. Plan two or three days of meals around what you already have. Make a list and stick to it. This alone cuts down impulse buys and food waste.

The frozen section is your friend. Frozen vegetables and fruits are often cheaper than fresh and last much longer. They are just as nutritious, too.

Also, consider buying from local farms like Kok Fah or Quan Fa. They deliver or have pickup points, and the freshness is unbeatable. Supporting them also means supporting local families.

A Note on Hawker Centres

Your favourite hawker stall might raise prices slightly because their ingredients cost more to transport. Instead of feeling frustrated, treat it as a chance to explore.

Every hawker centre has a value king. That one stall that still serves generous portions at reasonable prices. Ask your neighbours or colleagues for recommendations. You might find a new favourite.

And here is a tip many people forget. You can actually use your CDC vouchers at participating hawker stalls too. That means your $3 plate of chicken rice or $4 bowl of laksa can come straight from your vouchers, leaving more cash in your wallet for other essentials. Look out for the CDC voucher decal at the stall or ask the hawker if they accept them.

Give Old Things a New Job

Before you throw something away, ask yourself whether it can do another job first.

Those glass jars from pasta sauce? Perfect for storing leftovers or organising screws and buttons. Plastic takeaway containers? Wash them and use them for packing lunch. Cardboard boxes from online shopping? Cut them down for drawer organisers or let the kids turn them into a spaceship.

Got a t-shirt with a stain? Cut it into cleaning rags. A broken stool? Sand it down and turn it into a plant stand. A missing button? Sew it back on or take it to a tailor. Repair Kopitiam sessions around Singapore even have volunteers who will help you fix things for free.

The idea is simply to use what you already have for a little longer before buying something new. It saves money and feels pretty good, too.

Try Thrifting Before Buying New

In Singapore, buying secondhand sometimes feels unusual. But in places like Japan, it is completely normal and even fashionable. The same mindset is slowly growing here, and for good reason.

Secondhand items are cheaper, often still in great condition, and keep usable things out of landfills. Whether you need furniture, clothes, electronics, or kitchenware, check out Carousell, thrift stores like Thryft or Refash, or Facebook marketplace groups.

You might find a gently used table for a fraction of the price. A barely worn dress. A bookshelf that just needs a wipe down. Thrifting is not about being cheap. It is about being smart with your money.

Grow a Little Bit of Your Own Food

You do not need a landed property to grow food. Start with one or two plants on a sunny windowsill or balcony. Herbs like basil, mint, and pandan grow quickly and save you from buying them at the supermarket every week.

Kang kong, chye sim, and chilli padi also do well in small pots. No balcony? No problem. Singapore has a wonderful network of community gardens, a nationwide initiative by NParks. There are over 2,000 Community in Bloom groups across Singapore, and they are free to join. You get access to soil, water, and neighbours who love sharing gardening tips.

If you prefer your own plot, NParks also runs the Allotment Gardening Scheme. For about $62 a year, you can lease a raised planter bed in 28 parks across Singapore, including Jurong Lake Gardens and East Coast Park. The lease lasts up to three years, and over 2,400 plots are already available.

You can even regrow spring onions and bok choy from kitchen scraps in just water. A $3 basil plant keeps producing for months, while a packet of supermarket basil lasts a week. Plus, there is something quietly satisfying about cooking with something you grew yourself.

Save on Utilities Without Breaking a Sweat

You do not need to sit in a sauna to save on electricity. Small tweaks make a real difference.

Set your air conditioner to 24 or 25 degrees instead of 21. Every degree lower uses about 10 percent more energy. Use a fan alongside your air con. The moving air lets you feel cool at a higher temperature. Clean your filters monthly, too. Clogged filters make the unit work harder and use more electricity.

If your air con is due for a proper clean, consider booking a servicing appointment. Regular maintenance keeps your unit running efficiently and saves you money in the long run. SoCool and Gain City are trusted options in Singapore for aircon servicing, with affordable packages and professional service.

Plug your phone charger, toaster, and coffee maker into a power strip and switch it off when not in use. They draw power even when turned off. Before switching on the lights during the day, open your curtains. Singapore’s sun is free.

For evenings, switch to LED bulbs. They use about 75 percent less energy and last much longer.

A Gentle Word on Spending

Living in a big city like Singapore comes with pressure. We see what friends are buying. We get endless sale alerts. We feel like we need the new bag, the trending sneakers, the latest gadget.

But difficult times have a way of showing us what actually matters. No one ever ran out of designer handbags during a crisis. No one wished they had bought more luxury watches when basic necessities became harder to find.

This is not about depriving yourself. It is just about being honest. A $5,000 bag will not feed anyone. A luxury watch will not keep your home cool during a heatwave. A well-stocked pantry, a little savings buffer, and neighbours who look out for each other? Those things are priceless.

You can still enjoy nice things. Just ask yourself one question before you buy. Will this matter in six months? If the answer is yes, go for it. If not, maybe let it pass.

Small Steps Add Up

The situation with oil prices is beyond our control. But how we respond is entirely up to us. Small changes like taking public transport, shopping with a list, thrifting, growing a little food, and being more intentional about spending all add up.

And is not that the Singapore spirit? Facing challenges not with fear, but with resourcefulness and a little humour. We have been through tough times before. This one is no different.

Before you make your next purchase, big or small, remember that you have the power to choose. GoCompare.sg is here to help you compare options with honest reviews. Being a mindful shopper is not about spending less. It is about spending well on things that truly serve you and your family.

Stay safe, stay smart, and remember. Sometimes the best way to save money is simply to use what you already have.