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Big fuel hike looming in March

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The Automobile Association of South Africa says significant increases in petrol prices are likely next month.

The AA was commenting on unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund.

The Association said the numbers were also pointing to increases in the wholesale price of diesel and to illuminating paraffin.

"According to the data, 93 ULP and 95 ULP petrol is expected to climb by between R1.22 a litre and R1.27 a litre, Diesel is expected to increase by around 28cents a litre and illuminating paraffin is expected to be 16c/l more expensive in the new month," said spokesperson, Layton Beard.

"In terms of the Diesel price, the sole contributor to the expected increases is the weaker exchange rate. Based on these numbers, a litre of 95ULP inland will climb from its current level of R21.68/l to R22.90/l, while the price at the coast will increase from around R21.03/l to R22.25/l."

Beard said the increases in the price of petrol are big and will have a negative impact on household budgets. A 50/l tank of fuel, for instance, will now cost R61 more to fill, or R244 if filled four times during the month, which is significant.

"The cumulative effect on personal finances will be a further reduction of disposable incomes which will be exacerbated by increases to goods and services which must recoup the higher fuel input costs."

The fuel price hike comes into effect on Wednesday.