Fuel prices to drop for Christmas

FUEL prices across the board are projected to decrease significantly in December, according to unaudited mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF).

The Automobile Association (AA) says the decreases will add further relief to struggling consumers, especially towards year-end.

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According to the AA, based on current data from the CEF, consumers can expect a decrease of around R1.06/litre for ULP 95, R1.05/l for ULP 93, and a massive decrease of around R2.10/l for diesel.

Illuminating paraffin is expected to drop by around R1.75/l.

The adjusted fuel prices for next month are to come into effect on Wednesday, 6 December.

“The current data shows that international product prices have eased since the beginning of the month and are contributing to the bulk of the expected decreases. The stronger value of the rand against the US dollar is also playing its part and is combining with the more stable oil prices to ensure South Africans can look forward to lower fuel prices in December,” said the AA.

Based on the numbers, ULP 95 inland could drop to around R22.17/l, and R22.05 at the coast, marking the lowest pricing for this fuel since February.

The expected drop in the diesel price will bring this fuel cost down to around R22.15/l, higher than its August pricing of R20.21/l but cheaper than its September pricing of R23.05/l.

“South Africans planning long journeys for their end-of-year holidays will, no doubt, be extremely happy with this news, as will consumers who suffer when particularly diesel prices increase,” said the AA.

To further benefit from the lower fuel prices, the association urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition, and that their tyres are in a good state and inflated according to manufacturer specifications.

“Planning for a long journey during the December and January break should begin now and should include a complete once-over of your vehicle to ensure it is ready for a long trip.

“We also urge all road users to ensure their state of mind is equally ready to share the road with other road users, and to play their part in keeping our roads safe this festive season,” said the association.

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