Diesel price decreases of between R2.61 and R3.24 per litre from Wednesday are expected to offer some relief to diesel-dependent transport operators, while petrol prices will increase by R1.43 per litre.
The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced that the price of diesel with 0.05% sulphur will decrease by R3.24/litre, while diesel with 0.005% sulphur will decrease by R2.61/litre.
Both grades of petrol – 93 and 95 – will increase by R1.43/litre.
The maximum retail price of LP gas will decrease by 17c/kg nationally and by 20c/kg in the Western Cape.
Illuminating paraffin will also decrease, with the wholesale price down by R5.96/litre and the single maximum national retail price decreasing by R7.95/litre.
The average Brent crude oil price increased from US$101 to US$104.59 during the period under review because of continued tension between the United States and Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the department said.
“The prices of middle distillates [diesel and paraffin] decreased more than petrol prices because of lower seasonal demand as the northern hemisphere moves into summer,” the department said.
The rand strengthened against the US dollar from R16.65 to R16.52 during the review period, leading to slightly lower contributions to the basic fuel prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin.
The general fuel levy has also been reduced by about R1.50/litre for petrol and R1.96/litre for diesel, effective from Wednesday.
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