South African motorists can expect a mixed bag of fuel price adjustments in December, according to the latest unaudited data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).
The Automobile Association (AA) says current unaudited data indicates a slight reduction in petrol prices, and more substantial increases to diesel and illuminating paraffin prices.
Based on the CEF’s data, ULP95 is expected to reduce by approximately 5c/l, while ULP93 is set for a reduction of approximately 16c/l. Diesel is expected to increase by between 40c/l and 38c/l, while illuminating paraffin will increase by around 39c/l.
“Although the rand/US dollar exchange rate was stable in the first two weeks of the period under review, the rand weakened slightly against the USD following the American presidential elections, resulting in a less substantial decrease for all grades of petrol,” the AA said.
“International petrol prices have been declining for a while, hence the expected decrease in petrol prices in December, but diesel prices continue to move in the opposite direction,” the association said.
However, the AA noted that its current forecast was based on mid-month data, which may change over the next two weeks before the official December adjustment is made.
The department of mineral resources and energy will announce the official fuel price adjustments at the end of November, and the new prices will come into effect on December 4.
