Another big petrol and diesel hike coming in July

Ongoing oil price strength, with limited support from the exchange rate, has set the stage for further increases in the fuel price.

This is according to the Automobile Association (AA), which was commenting on unaudited mid-month data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).

“International petroleum prices have appreciated less sharply in the month to date than was the case in the equivalent period in May, but the gains have nonetheless been significant,” the AA said.

“Meanwhile, the stronger Rand / US dollar exchange rate has not been enough to counter oil’s rises, giving a risk of substantial fuel price hikes at the beginning of July.”

The mid-month data predicts a rise of up to 27 cents a litre for petrol and 61 cents a litre for diesel.

Illuminating paraffin is also under pressure, with the data currently showing a 60 cent rise.

Taking the increases into account, this is what you can expect to pay at the pumps for petrol in July:

“With the cold of winter having set in, people who use paraffin for heating and cooking are poised to experience a sharp jump in their energy costs, in addition to a rise in transport-related costs,” the AA said.

“Economic shocks which weaken the exchange rate could worsen the picture by month end,” it said.

“We advise South African motorists to re-consider their driving patterns and car sharing habits, in order to economise in the event that the current run of fuel price rises continues in the medium term,” the AA said.

More on fuel in SA

South Africa could face a petrol shortage: report

Here is the official petrol price for June 2016