The Department of Mineral Resources & Energy announced a 28c/l increase on the retail prices of both 93 and 95 unleaded petrol grades from midnight on 31 January.

Diesel drivers were spared a big increase, however, with a rise of 9c/l in the wholesale price of diesel with 0.05% sulphur content, while 0.005% diesel decreased by 1c/l. The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin rose by 58c/l, while liquefied petroleum gas decreased by R1.40/kg. The latest price hikes pushed Gauteng petrol to R21.68 a litre, from R20.14 a year ago. Gauteng diesel climbed to as much as R21.32 a litre, from R18.04 in February 2022. Earlier this month, the Automobile Association (AA) warned government against hiking fuel levies in Finance Minister Enoch Godongwane's budget speech in Parliament this month. "Consumers can simply not afford any more price shocks, and considering the impending 18.65% increase to electricity rates [which will take effect in April], an increase to the levies will deal a massive blow to personal finances," the AA said.

• Based on reports at BusinessLive and Fin24

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