South African motorists using petrol will get some relief at the pumps this week, while diesel users will face a steep increase when the latest fuel price adjustments take effect on Wednesday, August 5.

Petrol down, diesel up

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced that both grades of petrol will decrease by 52 cents per litre, while diesel will increase by more than R1.20 per litre, depending on the sulphur content.

The adjustments are as follows:

• Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 52c/l decrease
• Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): 52c/l decrease
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 138.44c/l increase
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 123.44c/l increase
• Illuminating paraffin (wholesale): 152c/l increase
• SMNRP for IP: 203c/l increase
• Maximum retail price of LPGas: 441c/kg decrease (503c/kg in the Western Cape)

Why prices are changing

According to the department, the drop in petrol prices is mainly the result of lower international petrol prices and a significant reduction in the slate levy.

The average Brent crude oil price also declined during the review period, easing pressure on fuel costs.

However, diesel prices rose sharply after international diesel prices increased because of supply shortages linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and reduced refinery capacity in the Middle East. A slightly weaker rand against the US dollar also contributed to higher diesel prices.

Slate levy reduced

The department said the slate levy, which is used to recover under-recoveries in the fuel pricing system, has been reduced from 113.94 cents per litre to 61.38 cents per litre, helping to offset some of the increases, particularly for petrol.

The official fuel price schedule for individual magisterial districts will be published on Tuesday, August 4, before the new prices come into effect the following day.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.