if the logic behind "fuel efficiency" is that you're working on carbon transition and need a short term solution, it should lead to less overall emissions, and makes sense. however, both the government and the industry have made it clear that that's not the point at all.

if the logic of "fuel efficiency" is to use less fuel now so you have more for later, which is how most consumers think (they think they're "saving energy"), then what you're doing is just allowing the gas companies to sell the same amount of carbon to you for a higher price over a longer period. this is a way to maximize profit, it's not a way to reduce emissions.

at the end of the day, it won't matter if you burn x amount of carbon to create a set amount of emissions in ten minutes or ten years. it doesn't wear off, it builds up. it's irrelevant what the rate of emission is.

you're not saving energy at all, you're just paying more for it in the long run by creating artificial scarcity around it, and they're confusing you because you've been trained by the economists to think about the world in a backwards and illogical way, and you're too stupid and ignorant to realize they've brainwashed you.