South Africans will see another round of fuel price cuts this week, with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announcing reductions across all grades of petrol and diesel for the second consecutive month.
The adjustments take effect on Wednesday.
Both grades of petrol – 93 and 95 octane – will drop by 65 cents per litre, according to the department.
Diesel users will benefit from decreases of 50 cents per litre for 0.05% sulphur and 57 cents for 0.005% sulphur.
Illuminating paraffin will fall by 53 cents wholesale and 70 cents at retail level.
LP Gas is the only exception, rising by 31 cents nationally and by 36 cents in the Western Cape.
The department attributed the continued downward trend to lower international product prices, supported by improved global inventories.
“These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 36c/l [cents per litre], 24.59 c/l and 21.13 c/l, respectively.”
This occurred despite an uptick in crude oil prices during the review period.
A stronger rand also played a significant role. The currency appreciated from R16.85 to R16.31 against the US dollar in January, easing import costs and further lowering the Basic Fuel Price by 28.52 cents per litre for petrol, 31.62 cents for diesel and 31.86 cents for illuminating paraffin.
However, LP Gas prices moved in the opposite direction. The department said propane and butane costs increased due to colder weather in the Northern Hemisphere and tighter global supply.
The latest reductions follow January’s fuel price cuts, offering some relief to households and businesses grappling with persistent cost‑of‑living pressures.
JN/APA