May fuel price: Petrol up, diesel down for SA motorists?

The latest fuel projections from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) still suggest there will be a petrol price increase in South Africa in May 2024.

However, while in recent days the data has improved, the rand has weakened against the dollar and the oil price continues to increase.

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A combination of an increase in the Brent crude oil price and a weakening of the rand against the dollar spells trouble for petrol prices in particular.

In contrast, the current situation suggests there could be better news for diesel drivers next month.

The news comes on the back of price increases for both petrol and diesel earlier this month, as reported by The South African website.

Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the CEF, effective Friday, 12 April 2024.

If these market conditions were to remain consistent for the remainder of the month – an unlikely scenario with the rand/dollar exchange rate ever fluctuating and the oil price changing – an increase of 30 cents is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and an increase of 31 cents for 95 users.

Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see between a 26 to 31 cents per litre decrease.

Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to decrease by 19 cents.

FUEL PRICE IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:

1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices

2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products

Oil price

At the time of publishing the Brent crude oil price is $89.53 a barrel.

Exchange rate

At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R18.92/$.

The final overall price changes for both petrol and diesel will be confirmed in the weeks ahead with the new prices coming into effect at midnight on Tuesday, 7 May.

Go easy on the accelerator until then, Mzansi.

THE CURRENT APRIL 2024 PETROL AND DIESEL PRICES (INLAND AND COASTAL):