December is the month of giving and being festive, but for petrol consumers, it might be wise to increase their holiday travel budget to be well prepared for the upcoming festive fuel price increase. On Tuesday, the Central Energy Fund announced that motorists will pay 22c more for a litre petrol, but 15c less for diesel. The rand had strengthened about 0.85% against the dollar during the period under review, although the international price of petrol increased, and diesel and paraffin decreased.

Automobile Association (AA) spokesperson Layton Beard confirmed that these major factors have seen the petrol price increase for nine of the 12 months in 2019, with another price hike to conclude this year.

“Petrol price increases at this time of year will come as bad news for many people who will be travelling on holiday in December. However, the predicted drop for diesel means input costs in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors remains relatively untouched in relation to fuel costs, which is good news,” said Beard.

When asked whether the predicted diesel price drop will have a positive effect on businesses and consumers, Beard stated that it will be beneficial.

“Obviously it will be a positive for both businesses and consumers because a decrease means there will be no further increases to services and products made available by the business sector which means consumers will not be affected.”

Beard warned consumers to prepare well before hitting the road, especially those who are planning to go on road trips using their own vehicles.

“The increase will not impact those who already made plans for the holidays, but motorists should budget properly and make sure they set aside enough funds to get to their destination and back home should they travel with their own vehicles this holidays,” he said.
Beard further said that motorists should try to conserve their petrol to ensure that they don’t spend too much money on petrol this festive season.

“We are urging people to use petrol sparingly and to budget properly, especially those who plan to go on road trips. Make sure that you know exactly how much petrol your car consumes. Drive at a steady pace, don’t speed and don’t brake too hard.  Remember that using your aircon also takes from your petrol so try and use it wisely. For those who plan on towing another vehicle, keep in mind that your car will use more fuel because your engine will be working a bit harder.”

VOC