South African motorists can expect a mixed bag of fuel price adjustments this December. According to the Automobile Association (AA), the current unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows a marginal decrease in petrol prices, and more substantial increases in diesel and illuminating paraffin prices.
Based on the mid-month data, ULP95 is expected to drop by approximately five cents per litre, while ULP93 could decrease by approximately 16 cents per litre. Diesel however is expected to increase by between 40 cents per litre and 38 cents per litre, while illuminating paraffin will increase by around 39 cents per litre.
“Although the Rand/US dollar exchange rate was stable in the first two weeks in the period under review, the Rand weakened slightly against the USD following the American presidential elections, resulting in a less substantial decrease for all grades of petrol.”
According to the AA, international petrol prices have been declining for a while hence the expected decrease in petrol prices in December, but diesel prices will continue to increase.
The Association has however noted that this is just the mid-month data and that the price prediction may change over the next two weeks before the official December adjustment is announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
The official fuel price adjustments for December are expected to be announced at the end of November with the official adjusted fuel prices coming into effect on 4 December. In previous months, the adjusted fuel prices take effect on the first Wednesday of the new month.
Motorists are urged to plan for a long journey during the December/January holiday period now and include a complete once-over check of their vehicle to ensure it is ready for a long trip.
“we also urge all road users to ensure their state of mind is equally ready to share the road with other road users and to play their part in keeping our roads safe this festive season”
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