Motorists can rest easy as lower fuel prices are expected for June.
“Ongoing volatility in international oil prices has been matched by swings in the Rand / US dollar exchange rate, making fuel price predictions as tricky as ever,” stated the Automobile Association (AA), which was commenting on unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).
The Rand started the month relatively strong against the dollar, but has weakened slightly the AA added. "Likewise, international petroleum prices started the month soft, sagged further, and have made something of a comeback in the past few days. However, the consumer is still winning at this stage, with the current data predicting a drop of 24 cents a litre for petrol, 20 cents for diesel, and 21 cents for illuminating paraffin.”
Further data from the Department of Energy shows that the price of gasoline 93 (ULP & LRP) in Gauteng would experience a 23.8 cents per litre drop (19.3 cents for 95 ULP), while the price of diesel with 0.05% and 0.005% sulphur content, would experience a decline by 20.3 cents per litre.
This is a welcomed relief, following the price surge after the downward spiral of the Rand as a result of the cabinet reshuffle and subsequent ratings downgrades.
The AA however reiterated that at this stage these are only predictions.
“We wouldn't rely on these figures though, since a lot could change by month end," the AA commented.
"Internationally, OPEC seems set to stay the course with its production cuts, and on the local front, ratings agency Moody's is likely to make an announcement on its view of South African sovereign debt, which is anticipated to be negative," the Association said. "These factors could work against the gains in the fuel price seen in the first fortnight of May," the AA concluded.