UPDATE: Department can’t confirm R2 fuel price increase
JOBURG - The Department of Energy confirmed reports that motorists and consumers might have to dig deep into their pockets due to a fuel hike next month.
The department could, however not confirm that the price of fuel could increase by as much as R2 per litre as reported by some media.
EWN news reported that higher fuel levies would kick in on 1 April adding about 80 cents to the cost per litre. The department’s Tseliso Maqubela was quoted as saying that the volatility in the price of a barrel of oil would load the fuel price further, but he tried to put a positive spin on it while briefing members of parliament on Wednesday. “Even if we add the levy that has been decided through the budget process, we will still end up below the R14.30 per litre line that we experienced last year,” said Maqubela.
The department’s spokesperson, Thandiwe Maimane also confirmed that fuel prices were going up. “The department of energy is not able to categorically state what the projected increase will be until the figures have been audited at the Central Energy Fund,” she said.
“Generally, crude oil prices are adjusted on a monthly based on crude oil price movements in the international markets, and movement in the rand/dollar exchange rate.”
Maimane also offered fuel saving tips to motorists. “In this day and age we know that rising energy costs can be a big source of financial frustration. The department has developed a list of top energy saving tips which include checking tyre pressure, tailgating and the use of air conditioners which can increase the fuel consumption.”
Read our previous story, Fuel price to soar.
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