South African motorists will dig deeper into their pockets from Wednesday as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) implements fuel price increases of between 20 cents and 65 cents per litre.
While petrol will rise by 20 cents per litre, diesel users are set to feel the biggest pinch. Diesel (0.05% sulphur) will increase by 62 cents per litre, while diesel (0.005% sulphur) goes up by 65 cents — a move likely to have knock-on effects on transport and food prices.
What’s Going Up?
Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): +20c
Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): +20c
Diesel (0.05% sulphur): +62c
Diesel (0.005% sulphur): +65c
Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): +44c
Illuminating Paraffin (retail): +58c
LP Gas: +23c nationally (26c/kg in the Western Cape)
Global Pressures at Play
The DMPR attributed the increases to rising global oil prices. The average Brent crude oil price climbed from $64.08 to $69.08 per barrel during the review period, driven by higher shipping costs and geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz further fuelled market uncertainty.
International product prices followed the upward trend, significantly increasing the Basic Fuel Price components of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin.
Stronger Rand Not Enough
Although the rand strengthened from R16.31 to R16.00 against the US dollar during the review period — typically a positive factor for fuel imports — the currency gains were not enough to offset global oil price pressures.
The latest adjustment marks another challenge for households already grappling with rising living costs, with diesel-driven sectors likely to pass on increased expenses to consumers in the weeks ahead.
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