Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Consumers could face yet another fuel price increase in March, the Automobile Association said on Friday.
This was because of strong international crude oil prices, which "had overpowered the appreciating rand", it said in a statement.
"The Central Energy Fund data is currently suggesting a fuel price hike of up to 34c/l for petrol, 26c/l for diesel and 16c/l for illuminating paraffin."
There was little chance of either a surge in the rand's strength or a retreat in international oil prices.
"Unfortunately, we expect the fuel price increase for March to be in the region of the current numbers."
The department of energy will announce the fuel price adjustment later on Friday.
This adds to the bad news for motorists from the National Budget where Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced that the general fuel levy will be increased in line with inflation in 2014.
However, the proposed increase of 12c/l for both petrol and diesel is less than last year's increase.
The total fuel levy for petrol is now 225.5c/l, and for diesel 209.5c/l.
Together with the Road Accident fund levy - which was raised by 8c/l to 104c - and other levies, it brings the total taxes on fuel to 332.5c/l for petrol and 317.51c/l for diesel.
The increases will hurt motorists further because the fuel price has risen and will still go up substantially due to the weak rand.
