Nasty fuel price shock on the horizon, warns AA

Motorists can expect record fuel price increases in April, delivering another blow to already embattled consumers.

Commenting on mid-month fuel data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF), the Automobile Association (AA) says the data predicts fuel prices to touch on R24/l for petrol and R23.60/l for diesel.

Based on the data, 95 octane petrol is set to increase by R2.15/l, 93 octane by R2.07/l, diesel by between R2.94/l and R3.08/l and illuminating paraffin by R2.51/l.

“If realised at month end, these will be the biggest increases in fuel prices in SA’s history and will, undoubtedly, have major ramifications for all consumers and the economy in general. We note, though, that this is the mid-month outlook and oil prices are, for the moment, see-sawing significantly, so there may be some relief before the official adjustment by the department of mineral resources and energy is made going into April.”

The main driver behind the increases is the movement in international oil prices which soared to record levels after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and concerns about Russian oil supplies. Russia is the third top producer of crude oil and supply worries are seen in increased oil prices.

Based on current data, the increase in oil prices is contributing 98% to the predicted price hikes, with the rand — which stabilised at about R15.11 to the US dollar — contributing the other 2%. The rand’s value against the US dollar is having a nominal impact on the price of fuel locally.

“We are seeing record fuel prices around the world as the high oil prices exact their toll in every market. Locally there is little to cushion the blow for millions of South Africans who are struggling to cope with a fragile economy which is hurting their personal financial situation. Consumers should brace themselves and prepare for what is likely to be a long winter if the conflict in Ukraine is drawn out,” the AA said. 

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