JRA services stalled: July's expected petrol price drop can't come soon enough

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has suspended refuelling for its vehicle fleet, grounding the trucks and teams responsible for pothole repairs, traffic signal maintenance, stormwater infrastructure and emergency road call-outs.    

Transport MMC Kenny Kunene has cited the City's ongoing liquidity challenges and the latest issue means maintenance backlogs are expected to grow, as repair crews remain off the road. The timing is particularly awkward, as City officials warn about illegal excavation work threatening the structural integrity of part of the M2 bridge near Usher and Shelby roads.  

What it means for motorists

Essentially, you will need to continue navigating the affected highways with caution, as there will be slower responses to potholes and other road-related maintenance issues - until refuelling resumes.

Relief at the pumps?

While the City struggles to keep its maintenance vehicles on the road, motorists could soon get some welcome relief of their own.  

Based on the latest Central Energy Fund data, fuel prices are expected to fall significantly from 1 July.   

Current projections suggest petrol could decrease by an estimated R2.87 per litre, while diesel could drop by an estimated R4.53 per litre. The expected decrease follows a decline in international oil prices and a relatively stable rand, which have more than offset the expiry of the government's temporary fuel levy relief.  

The final adjustment will only be confirmed by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources on 30 June.

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