Petrol down, but diesel up this month

Fuel prices have moderated during October, with the prospect of some relief for petrol users, although users of diesel and illuminating paraffin will have to cough up more.

This is based on unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund, the Automobile Association said yesterday.

The exchange rate started the month badly but has since levelled out.

The rand’s modest gains against the US dollar have helped cushion the impact of rises in the landed price of fuel in the case of diesel and illuminating paraffin.

Both diesel and illuminating paraffin experienced substantial jumps in their landed prices, whereas the landed price of petrol remained almost unchanged in October.

As a result, the association expect the petrol price to drop by about 16 cents a litre.

“Unfortunately, diesel and illuminating paraffin will both increase by about 30 cents a litre.”

The association notes that international petroleum prices have shown modest declines in the past month, which it describes as “a cause for optimism”.

If the rand maintains its current trajectory of relative stability, this could augur well for the fuel prices as the Christmas season approaches.

However, the motoring body cautioned against premature celebration.

“Last year has been one of the most tumultuous years in history for South African fuel users, and the economy is still fragile and easily spooked,” it said.