By Rorisang Modiba
- Expected petrol price increases have dropped by about 67%, meaning that Petrol 95 will go up by R2.63 a litre.
- Diesel projections have also improved by about 54%, but drivers will still pay an extra R8.06 a litre in May.
South Africans can expect smaller fuel price increases than first thought in May. The situation has improved for both petrol and diesel.
Petrol under-recoveries have dropped by about 67%. This brings the expected increase to between R2.29 and R2.63 a litre.
Diesel projections have also improved by about 54%. The diesel price is still high and is expected to go up by about R8.06 a litre.
Current numbers show that Petrol 93 will increase by R2.29 a litre. Petrol 95 will go up by R2.63 a litre. Paraffin users will pay an extra R6.52 a litre.
The main cause of the high prices is global oil costs. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is making the problem worse. Damage to infrastructure and disrupted supply routes are slowing down any price drops.
Experts say the next two weeks will be very important. The final decision on the fuel price will be made on 6 May.
The government is looking at ways to help drivers. It is thinking about extending fuel tax cuts for another one or two months. This move could reduce the impact on consumers. It might cost the country up to R12-billion.
While there is a slight improvement, drivers must still prepare to pay more.
Pictured above: A fuel station.
Image source: File
