Diesel Prices Climb Again While Petrol Sees Another Marginal Decrease

South African motorists are bracing for uncertain fuel prices in December, with mixed projections from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) and warnings from industry experts.

Mixed Predictions for Petrol

Preliminary data from the CEF suggests minor changes to petrol prices:

• A seven-cent decrease for 93 Unleaded petrol.
• A three-cent increase for 95 Unleaded petrol.

However, the Automobile Association (AA) cautions that adjustments to industry margins could negate these slight changes, potentially keeping prices close to their current levels:

• R20.51 per litre at the coast.
• R21.31 per litre in Gauteng.

Diesel and Paraffin Set to Climb

While petrol prices remain uncertain, diesel prices are expected to surge, with a projected increase of 48 cents per litre or more. Illuminating paraffin could also see a rise of around 43 cents per litre.

The expected changes are driven by:

• International fuel price shifts due to supply and demand dynamics.
• Rand depreciation, exacerbated by global economic events.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) will confirm final price adjustments on December 4, including changes to:

• Storage and distribution costs.
• Wholesale and retail margins.

Rising diesel prices could significantly impact inflation, as increased transport and production costs trickle down to consumer prices across the economy.

Despite earlier commitments from President Cyril Ramaphosa to review South Africa’s fuel pricing model, no updates or timelines have been provided. Motorists and businesses continue to bear the brunt of fluctuating fuel costs.

The coming weeks will reveal whether South Africans can expect a reprieve at the pumps or further financial strain.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com