Commenting on unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund the Automobile Association (AA) says users of all grades of fuel will be paying more in July when the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy officially adjusts the prices of fuels later this week.
“International petroleum prices have climbed throughout June. Even some marginal gains on the Rand have not been enough to counter the rise.
On average, the Rand was positive against the US dollar during June, but the daily exchange rate has sagged alarmingly since mid-month, weakening from around R13.75 to the dollar to nearly R14.30,” the AA says.
The Association forecasts that petrol looks set to increase by around 23 cents a litre, diesel by 38 cents and illuminating paraffin by 32 cents.
“This increase is going to be very difficult for those who use paraffin for cooking, lighting, and especially heating as South Africa heads into the heart of winter,” comments the AA.
The AA also notes that the Rand’s weakening trend raised concerns about the fuel price trajectory in July.
“If the Rand continues to slide with oil on an upward trajectory, this could bring further bad news for South Africa’s economy,” the AA concludes.
