SA petrol price to climb in May - AA

Cape Town - Rising international oil prices continue to do battle with gains in the Rand/US dollar exchange rate. This is according to the Automobile Association (AA), which was commenting on unaudited mid-month data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).

The AA said: "We are seeing a gradual, but sustained, return of strength to petroleum prices. On the international market, diesel and petrol prices have risen since late February. 

"The appreciation of the Rand against the US dollar has gone some way to offset this, meaning that diesel and illuminating paraffin are heading for reduced prices, while petrol is set to climb."

Current data predicts a petrol price hike of 17 to 18 cents a litre, while diesel and illuminating paraffin are set for drops of 11 to 12 cents.

The AA concluded: "Both the exchange rate, and international oil prices, continue to be volatile, and the month-end picture could be quite different from the current one."