South African motorists celebrate a 52 cents per litre petrol price cut, but rising diesel costs raise concerns about the overall impact on consumers as economists warn of ongoing financial pressures.
South Africans will pay 52 cents less a litre for petrol from Wednesday, but economists say the sharp increase in diesel prices is likely to limit the overall benefit of the latest fuel price adjustments.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) on Monday announced that petrol prices will fall by 52 cents a litre from Wednesday, while diesel will increase by between R1.23 and R1.38 a litre.
The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will also rise by R1.52 a litre.
Chief economist Johann Els said a reduction in the slate levy played a significant role in cushioning consumers from even steeper fuel price increases in August.
