Media Statement Issued by the Department of Energy on the Adjustment of Fuel Prices Effective from 04 October 2017

The fuel pricing schedule for the different zones will be published on Tuesday, 03 October 2017

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 2, 2017/APO/ --

The Department of Energy informs the public of the fuel price adjustments for October 2017. South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted on a monthly basis, informed by international and local factors.

International factors include the fact that South Africa imports both crude oil and finished products at a price set at the international level, including shipping costs.

The main reasons for the fuel price adjustments are:

1. Rand/US Dollar Exchange rate

The Rand appreciated, on average, against the US Dollar during the period under review. However, the average R/$ exchange for September 2017 was 13.08 compared to 13.21 in August 2017. In other words, the average R/$ was lower in September when compared to August. This contributed to the lowering of the Basic Fuel Prices of all petroleum products by less than 4.00 cents per litre.

1. The prices of Petroleum Products in the International Markets

The international prices of petroleum products increased on average during the period under review. This was in line with higher crude oil prices. However, the diesel prices rose faster than the prices of petrol due to sharp decrease in diesel stocks in the US. The petrol prices were very strong through August due to impact of Hurricane Harvey.

1. Higher Oil Prices

The oil prices increased by 12% since the beginning of September 2017, mainly due to, (a) Improved compliance on production freeze by OPEC countries, (b) Evidence that US drilling activity and production is not rising as was expected, and (c) Evidence that stocks of crude oil in the US are falling faster than anticipated.

Based on current local and international factors, the fuel prices for October 2017 will be adjusted as follows

• Petrol (93 Octane, ULP and LRP): 25.00 c/l increase;
• Petrol (95 Octane, ULP and LRP): 29.00 c/l increase
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 42.00 c/l increase;
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 42.00 c/l increase;
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 39.00 c/l increase;
• SMNRP for IP: 52.00 c/l increase;
• Maximum LP Gas Retail Price: 39.00 c/kg increase

The fuel pricing schedule for the different zones will be published on Tuesday, 03 October 2017.

Distributed by APO on behalf of The Department of Energy, South Africa.