South Africans brace for another petrol price increase hit

Consumers will have to reach deeper into their pockets this month when visiting the pump stations.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announced that all grades of fuel will have adjustments on May 1.

According to the department, the cost of the average Brent Crude oil, which increased from US $77.35 to US $82.03 in January, influenced these hikes.

This hike negatively affects motorists because they have to use more hard-earned money as some vehicles have high petrol consumption.

Businesses and trading institutions are one of the most affected sectors in the country; due to increased transportation costs can lead to higher prices for goods and services across the board.

The adjusted prices are as follows:

• Petrol (93 ULP and LRP): 37 cents increase
• Petrol (95 ULP and LRP): 37 cents increase
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 30 cents decrease
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 36 cents decrease
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 19 cents decrease
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for illuminating paraffin: 25 cents decrease
• Maximum LP Gas Retail Price: 46 cents decrease

The Roodepoort Record visited petrol stations and asked motorists, business owners and community members how they felt about the petrol price increase.

Allen Gumede said, “I feel very sad because these prices are too much for us bolt drivers, the petrol is high and we use more money trips but their payments are not that good.”

Melissa also said, “This issue has impacted our households a lot because funds that are meant for house expenditures are now allocated on the petrol funds, and not everyone is lucky to have a short distance from home to their respective workplace. So this forces them to use it for transport.”

PJ Prinsloo said, “It is very bad for motorists as well as the workers because your monthly work income stays the same but you experience high petrol expenses.”

Peter Simons added, “It is affecting our businesses because now we have to pay more for logistics while the delivery prices remain the same.”

Thabiso Mokoena said, “This petrol hike negatively affects motorists because they have to use more money as some vehicles have high petrol consumption.”

Last September the Automobile Association (AA) advised motorists to keep their vehicles in good mechanical condition, and their tyres inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure optimal fuel usage. Minimising trips where possible, using air conditioners sparingly, and not overloading the vehicle are other measures owners can take to decrease fuel consumption.

According to the AA, these five general fuel-saving tips may help motorists to minimise these petrol price effects while waiting for lower fuel prices.

1. Stick to the speed limits
2. Don’t accelerate harshly
3 Don’t use your aircon too much
4. Don’t overload your car
5. Avoid short trips