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With the second long weekend rolling in, make sure to fill up ahead of May Day as it’s getting more costly at the pumps.
While April typically brings a slight easing after early-month shocks, the latest data suggests motorists should still brace for another noticeable fuel price hike in May.
What’s happening with fuel prices?
According to the Central Energy Fund (CEF), fuel prices are still on track to increase, but fortunately for us, it’s not as dramatically as initially expected.
At the start of April’s review period, the outlook was bleak, with petrol under-recoveries sitting as high as R7.88 per litre and diesel at a staggering R17.57 per litre. Since then, things have eased significantly.
By the third week of April, projected increases have dropped by as much as 73%, but they’re still pretty high:
- Petrol 93: +R1.82 per litre
- Petrol 95: +R2.14 per litre
- Diesel: Around +R5.92 to +R5.93 per litre
- Illuminating paraffin: +R4.99 per litre
If this all feels familiar, that’s because it is. Earlier this year, we were warned of even steeper hikes, with petrol expected to jump by nearly R5 per litre and diesel by over R8 per litre in April. While those increases softened slightly, the same global pressures are still in play:
- Rising global oil prices
- Ongoing shipping disruptions
- A weaker rand/dollar exchange rate
Smart tips for saving on fuel
Before you hit the N3 or cruise along the coast, a few simple tweaks can make a noticeable difference:
- Lighten the load: Ditch unnecessary items in your boot because extra weight = extra fuel burn.
- Check your tyre pressure: Underinflated tyres increase resistance and fuel consumption.
- Drive smoothly: Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as it can increase fuel usage by up to 30%.
- Plan your route: Group your stops and use navigation apps to find the most efficient route.
- Service your car: A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Clean filters and healthy spark plugs go a long way.
- Be smart with aircon: At lower speeds, open windows instead. On highways, stick to air conditioning to reduce drag.
- Don’t idle unnecessarily: If you’re parked or stuck for a while, switch off the engine when it’s safe to do so.
With many excited visitors heading to Durban for long weekend escapes, fuel costs could take a bigger bite out of your holiday budget than expected. Fortunately, fuel supply remains stable and you can be proactive in saving on costs!
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