Rand strength, and a retreat of international petroleum prices, have combined to produce a surprise drop in fuel prices at the end of February.
This is according to the Automobile Association (AA), which was commenting on uaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).
“After a bit of a stutter at the beginning of February, the Rand has continued to firm against the US dollar throughout the month,” the AA said.
“At the same time, international oil prices have come off their mid-month highs and are now testing their lowest levels yet for 2017.”
“Petrol is expected to drop by around seven cents a litre, diesel by about two cents and illuminating paraffin by eight cents,” the AA said.
“If the Rand’s strengthening trend is prolonged and oil prices remain around their current levels, it’s possible that some of the recent fuel price increases may be reversed in the medium term.”
However, the AA warned that the rise in fuel taxes would see the fuel price picture at the end of March begin with a deficit of 39 cents.
This is a combination of an increase of 30 cents to the general fuel levy, and an increase of nine cents to the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy. The increases come into effect on April 1.
“It would take quite a substantial effort from both the Rand and oil prices to offset the tax hikes and prevent higher fuel prices in April,” the AA conclude.
