We’re almost there, just a couple more hours until the first month of 2023 is over. Usually, we’d feel better about that – what with our bank accounts feeling somewhat happier than they did over the Christmas break. But we’re not so happy.
After what was a beautiful start to the year with an R2+ decrease in prices, the Department of Energy is back to its old ways. We’re officially getting another petrol and diesel price increase. So, while the day is still young, quickly head out to the nearest petrol station and fill up. Or, if you can stomach the change – it’s not as bad as we initially expected – the stations may be less crowded on your way to work in the morning.
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We’re sorry to have to tell you this…
Still, as we say, it’s not as bad as it could have been. According to the Central Energy Fund (CEF), the country was facing increases of as large as 50c+ for petrol and 30c+ for diesel. We’re extremely glad to say that isn’t the eventual case.
- Petrol 95: increase of 28 cents per litre (R0.28)
- Petrol 93: increase of 28 cents per litre (R0.28)
- Diesel 0.05%: increase of 9 cents per litre (R0.09)
- Diesel 0.005%: decrease of 1 cent per litre (R0.01)
- Illuminating Paraffin: increase of 58 cents per litre (R0.58)
The main factor for the increase, according to the Department of Energy (decider of the official price) was the rising price of Brent crude oil, which has now increased to $85.08 (R1,480). The strengthening Rand played a role in diminishing what could have been a pricy month for petrol. Here’s hoping that March’s prices, which are changing at midnight on Wednesday, 1 March are even just a little bit better than they are now.