South Africa will raise petrol and diesel prices on Wednesday, 7 October, after a rise in international oil and fuel costs. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced the monthly adjustment on Monday.
The price of 93 petrol will increase by R3.12 per litre, while 95 petrol will rise by R3.33 per litre. The regulated increases apply across the country, although the amount paid at the pump varies by pricing zone. For a driver buying 50 litres of 95 petrol, the increase alone adds R166.50 to the cost of a fill.
Diesel and household fuels also rise
The wholesale price of diesel with 0.05% sulphur will rise by about R2.84 per litre. The increase for diesel with 0.005% sulphur is about R3.24 per litre. These are wholesale changes; diesel pump prices can differ between retailers. Wholesale illuminating paraffin will rise by R3.58 per litre, while the maximum retail price of LPG will increase by 42 cents per kilogram, or 48 cents in the Western Cape.
Why prices are rising
In its announcement, the department said the average Brent crude price rose from $87.89 to $101 during the period it reviewed. It cited tensions involving the US and Iran, uncertainty over oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, higher shipping costs and lower inventories. International prices for petrol, diesel and paraffin also increased.
The rand strengthened slightly against the US dollar over the review period, but the effect was too small to offset the increase in international fuel costs. South Africa adjusts its fuel prices monthly using both international and local factors.
The department said the detailed schedule of prices for individual pricing zones would be published on Tuesday. Readers checking what they will pay locally should use that schedule once available.
