Share

Petrol price breather, for now: 'All fuel types are set for a decrease at month end' - AA

accreditation

While 'Januworry' heads into scary-February as the South African economy still battles to keep its head above water, there's a bit of relief for motorists at the end of this month. Even if it's just for now. 

The Automobile Association says ongoing declines in the price of oil since the second week of the year will give South African fuel users a breather for February. The commentary comes from on unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund.

"Rising tensions between the USA and Iran in the opening days of 2020 sparked a sharp increase in international oil prices, but the commodity has rebounded quickly. In fact, the oil price has returned to a level we might have expected had the US-Iran flare-up not taken place at all," the AA says.

Oil has dipped to its lowest level since the start of December. However, the Rand/US dollar exchange rate is steadily moving in the opposite direction, with the Rand having softened from its January 1 level of around R14.05 to the dollar to its current average of R14.30.

"We have some concerns over this ongoing weakening in the absence of any overt Rand shocks," the AA says. "It is not a good sign of confidence in the SA economy."

Despite the Rand's trend, all fuel types are set for a decrease at month end. 95 Octane petrol will drop by around 13 cents a litre, with the other reductions marginal: 93 Octane petrol and both grades of diesel by four cents, and illuminating paraffin by three cents.

"We're pleased fuel prices have managed to tread water at the start of a year, a year which is likely to again be extremely economically challenging," the AA concludes. 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE