Fuel price projections: What awaits SA motorists this week?

The latest fuel price projections from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) for April 2024 suggests that there may be mixed news for motorists in South Africa next month.

After starting the month looking bleak, a swing in fortune had Mzansi drivers hopeful of some respite at the pumps early next month, especially diesel car owners.

However, a recent increase in the brent crude oil price and a weakening of the rand against the dollar has dampened those spirits.

This news comes on the back of price increases for both petrol and diesel earlier this month, as reported by The South African website.

Below, the latest projections as received by The South African website from the CEF, effective Monday, 25 March 2024.

If these market conditions were to remain consistent for the remainder of the month – an unlikely scenario with the rand/dollar exchange rate ever fluctuating and the oil price changing – an increase of 33 cents is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and an increase of 34 cents for 95 users.

Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see between a 29 to 34 cents per litre decrease.

Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to decrease by 36 cents.

FUEL PRICE PROJECTIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:

1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices

2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products

Oil price

At the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $86.72 a barrel.

Exchange rate

At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R18.89/$.

The final overall price changes for both petrol and diesel will be confirmed in the weeks ahead with the new prices coming into effect at midnight on Tuesday, 2 April.

Go easy on the accelerator until then, Mzansi.

THE CURRENT MARCH 2024 PETROL AND DIESEL PRICES (INLAND AND COASTAL):