petrolpumpThe Citizen reports that after comparatively small fuel price increases in February, motorists are in for a more substantial rise in March.

Based on current data tabled by the Central Energy Fund (CEF), consumers relying on petrol will be hardest hit with increases of R1.18 a litre for 93 unleaded and R1.24 a litre for 95 unleaded. As in February, the rises in diesel and illuminating paraffin prices won’t be as excessive, but will nonetheless go up by between 36 and 37 cents a litre and 42 cents a litre respectively. The latest predictions are based on a weakening Rand relative to the US Dollar, in addition to stronger international oil prices. In its most recent reaction on the fuel price, made in the run-up to the February price adjustments, the Automobile Association (AA) said any rise in the fuel price levies, allegedly due to be implemented in April, would be disastrous for consumers reeling from Eskom’s pending electricity price hike as well as escalating living costs. “Consumers continue to be extremely embattled and increases to the two fuel levies will be counter-productive, are ill-timed, and have disastrous outcomes for millions of people already struggling to make ends meet,” the AA said at the time.


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