April may bring both good and bad news for motorists in South Africa as fuel prices are expected to fluctuate.
According to the Automobile Association (AA), the weaker rand to US dollar exchange rate is contributing to increases in petrol prices, while lower international oil prices are having the opposite effect on diesel and illuminating paraffin.
Despite this, the AA notes that the weaker rand is not resulting in increases for diesel and illuminating paraffin. The AA also cautions that the CEF’s unaudited data, which shows these changes, is mid-month and subject to change before the official adjustment is made by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) at the end of the month.
On a positive note, the AA reports that the rand appears to be stabilizing against the US dollar, which could bring relief for petrol prices in the future. The official adjustment of fuel prices will come into effect on April 5, the first Wednesday of the month. Petrol 93 is expected to increase by 25 cents a litre, while petrol 95 is expected to increase by 26 cents a litre. However, diesel 0.05% is expected to decrease by 20 cents a litre, and diesel 0.005% is expected to decrease by 22 cents a litre. Illuminating paraffin is expected to decrease by 68 cents a litre.
Related: MyTank – A locally developed app enabling motorists to find the cheapest fuel
The upcoming fuel price adjustments in South Africa will have a mixed impact on motorists. While petrol prices are expected to increase, diesel and illuminating paraffin prices are expected to decrease. However, as the AA notes, these changes are subject to adjustment, and motorists should keep a close eye on fuel prices in the coming weeks.
