Veronica Makhoali5 February 2024 | 9:58

Motorists warned to brace for steep fuel price hike in February

The Automobile Association predicted 93LP and 95LP petrol to climb between R0.64 and R0.66 a litre, diesel to climb by R0.63 a litre, and paraffin to climb by R0.47 a litre.

Motorists warned to brace for steep fuel price hike in February

Picture: Pexels

JOHANNESBURG - South Africans might want to consider gifting their loved one fuel instead of roses this Valentine’s Day.

The latest fuel price prediction from the Automobile Association (AA) points to a steep hike at the pumps in February.

The AA said 93LP and 95LP petrol is expected to climb by between R0.64 and R0.66 a litre.

Motorists will pay R0.63 a litre more for diesel, while paraffin is expected to set you back by R0.47 a litre.

The AA's Layton Beard said the short-lived relief South African motorists enjoyed at the pumps over the past three months was over.

“Based on these numbers, a litre of 95ULP inland will climb from its current level of R22.49 per litre to R23.15 per litre, while the price of 93ULP inland will increase from R22.17 per litre to R22.81 per litre. We again urge consumers to monitor their fuel usage carefully, and to budget according to the new fuel prices, which come into effect next Wednesday.”

The AA’s Eleanor Mavimbela said with household budgets in the red, these new fuel price increases will come as a double blow.

"The numbers are indicating that the short-lived relief South African motorists enjoyed over the past three months is over. According to the data, 93 unleaded, as well as 95 unleaded petrol, are expected to climb by between 64 cents a litre and 66 cents per litre respectively, while diesel is expected to increase by 63 cents a litre. Illuminating paraffin is expected to be 47 cents per litre more expensive going into the month of February."