Motorists in South Africa are bracing for a steep rise in fuel prices this week, with global tensions linked to the Middle East expected to hit consumers hard at the pumps.
According to the Central Energy Fund, the latest data indicates that 95-octane petrol will increase by R5.82 per litre, while 93-octane petrol is set to rise by R5.32 per litre. Diesel prices could surge by as much as R10.27 per litre, excluding an additional fuel levy hike of approximately 21 cents per litre.
Fuel prices in South Africa are adjusted on the first Wednesday of each month, meaning the latest increases are expected to take effect on April 1.
For the average motorist, the impact will be significant. Filling a standard 60-litre fuel tank could cost around R360 more, placing additional strain on already stretched household budgets.
Despite coinciding with April Fools’ Day, the increases are no prank, with consumers facing one of the steepest fuel price hikes in recent years.