Fill your tanks, Mzansi: Petrol will cost ‘R1-per-litre more’ from tomorrow

Are you running a little low on fuel? Then it’s probably wise to start operating on a ‘sooner rather than later’ basis. At midnight tonight, the petrol price is set to soar by almost R1-per-litre. Diesel is also going up by 55 cents p/l.

Petrol price for South Africa – August 2021

Although the cost of diesel is unregulated – and prices can fluctuate between each gas stations – the standards are much more rigorous for petrol. Grade 95 will now cost R18.30 p/l inland, and R17.58 p/l on the coast. Meanwhile, Grade 93 will only go up to R18.11 for non-coastal regions, while remaining at R17.58 elsewhere.

ALSO READ: SA fuel prices to soar this week – but this old trick *might* save you money

Why is petrol so expensive?

The grim news has been brought on by trends in the crude oil market, and the Rand’s latest dip. Rioting and supply insecurity in KZN effectively left the writing on the wall for our August petrol prices.

This sharp increase also sets a most unwanted record in South Africa, as petrol costs reach their highest-ever value in this country. The motorists of Mzansi must now endure more misery at the pumps from Wednesday 4 August.

REMINDER: Fuel Price Adjustment at midnight tonight #FuelPriceHike pic.twitter.com/5MKJtSJKvl

— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) August 3, 2021

Shock increases may hurt consumers elsewhere

Petrol now costs R3.44-per-litre more than it did in January 2021. In six of the last eight months, South Africans have been lumbered with an increase. According to the AA, the rising cost of fuel will have a knock-on effect.

“New increases will mean the price of petrol will have climbed nearly 25% in just seven months since January, while the price of diesel has increased by around 20%. Illuminating paraffin is up by around 30%. These increases will add to the heavy financial burden for South Africans already battered by weak economic conditions.”