MOTORING NEWS - The price of petrol will drop by 65c and diesel by between a hefty R2.35 (500ppm) and R2.41 (50ppm) a litre on Wednesday.

The wholesale price of Illuminating paraffin decreases by R1.71. The only increase is LP Gas, which will sell for R1.67c more per kilogram.

Factors that led to the reduction in petrol and diesel include a decrease in crude oil prices and the improved performance of the rand against the US dollar (from 19.16 to 18.55 rand per USD) during the period under review. 

According to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the latter led to lower contributions to the basic fuel prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin.

What you will pay

The DMRE will publish the fuel prices schedule for the different zones tomorrow, but here is what motorists can expect to pay:

• 93 unleaded: R22.79 (inland) and R22.07 (coastal)
• 95 unleaded petrol: R23.25 (inland) and R22.53 (coast)

Diesel prices reflected are wholesale, not retail prices:

• Diesel 500ppm (0.05%): R21.82 (inland) and R21.09 (coastal)
• Diesel 50ppm (0.005%): R21.99 (inland) and R21.30 (coastal)
• Illuminating paraffin: R16.24 (inland) and R15.31 (coastal)
• LP Gas: R37.42 (inland) and R34.46 (coastal)

Make every drop count

The Automobile Association (AA) has said the decreases will add further relief to struggling consumers.

It cautioned drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition, because a serviced car with new oil and clean filters runs more efficiently, which means less fuel is used. 

Tyres must be in a good state and inflated according to manufacturer’s specifications, because the incorrect air pressure and tread in tyres can also result in heavier fuel use.

Article: Caxton publication, Citizen

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