Motorists can expect a mix of price increases and decreases in fuel costs for January, according to the Automobile Association (AA). Based on unaudited mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund, the AA predicts a potential 11-cent rise in the price of petrol per litre.
In contrast, the price of diesel is expected to decrease by 3 cents per litre, while illuminating paraffin could become 14 cents cheaper per litre. These reductions are attributed to lower international product prices observed towards the end of the previous month.
AA spokesperson Eleanor Mavimbela explained, "Although the Rand has struggled against the US Dollar for most of the review period, the data shows that changes in international product prices have had a significant impact on these forecasted reductions."
However, Mavimbela cautioned that these predictions are based on mid-month data, and the fuel price outlook could change significantly over the next two weeks before the official January adjustments are announced.