April fuel price announcement brings good news on diesel, but minimal relief for petrol

AMID rising food inflation and interest rate hikes, the announcement by Minerals and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe that almost all fuel prices will go down from midnight, has been welcomed.

However, while the price drops are significant for diesel and paraffin, for petrol the decrease is marginal, and inland the price of 95 petrol will increase by 2 cents per litre.

According to the Department of Minerals and Energy, the following prices will come into effect from midnight:

• Petrol 93 (LRP & ULP) - a decrease of 1 cent inland and 8 cents per litre in retail price at the coast
• Petrol 95 (LRP & ULP) - a increase of 2 cents per litre inland and decrease of 5 cents per litre at the coast
• Diesel 0.05% Sulphur will decrease by 74 cents per litre inland and 81 cents per litre at the coast
• Diesel 0.005% Sulphur will decrease by 75 cents per litre inland and 82 cents per litre at the coast
• Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale) will decrease by R1.25 in wholesale price inland and by R1.38 per litre at the coast

Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of trade union UASA said there is little relief for motorists with petrol vehicles.

“With Easter weekend around the corner, petrol-pumped vehicle consumers are less fortunate, with minute price drops of a mere 1.5c a litre for 95 unleaded petrol and 4c a litre for 93 grade.

“Motorists travelling to different destinations over the Easter holidays will experience little relief as they fill up for longer distances than usual,” she said.

Moyo said consumers needed to be smart about their household finances and curb spending on unnecessary items over Easter.

“We encourage everyone to stay safe and vigilant, drive safely and spend wisely,” she advised.

THE MERCURY