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Relief for SA motorists: fuel price expected to drop over festive season

<B>BIT OF RELIEF:</B> South African motorists can brace themselves for another decrease in fuel prices. <I>Image: iStock</I>
<B>BIT OF RELIEF:</B> South African motorists can brace themselves for another decrease in fuel prices. <I>Image: iStock</I>

Cape Town - Fuel price relief could be on the horizon for South Africans after international petroleum prices came off their late-October highs. This is the view of the Automobile Association (AA), which was commenting on unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).

The AA said: "International oil prices remained stable throughout October, but have been in decline since November began. The Rand/US dollar exchange rate firmed over the same period, making a welcome contribution to the picture."

45 cents drop

Current data suggests a reduction in the petrol price of 45 cents a litre, with diesel down by 38cent and illuminating paraffin enjoying a 40cent reduction.

However, the AA warned that the Rand had weakened sharply against the dollar in the wake of the US election results, and said that if the local currency did not return to its previous levels, the fuel price picture could be quite different at month-end. 

READ: 11 ways to drive fuel efficiently in SA

The AA continued: "In addition to short-term fluctuations, the Rand remains exposed to a possible ratings downgrade in South Africa. The currency is now also vulnerable to possible shifts in US policy when president-elect, Donald Trump, takes office early in 2017.

"While the expected reduction at the pumps ahead of the 2016 Christmas season is welcome, South Africans would be prudent not to expect sustained drops in the fuel price over the next few months," the AA concluded.

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