Welcome fuel price relief kicks in at midnight tonight

VAAL TRIANGLE - Vaal Triangle and other South African motorists can breathe a sigh of relief with a drop in petrol and diesel prices from tonight at midnight. The reduction will be welcomed by South Africans as they navigate a hostile economic climate while embarking on a much-needed festive break. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy last week announced both grades of petrol would decrease by 65 cents per litre while diesel would decrease by between R2.35 and R2.41 per litre. It attributed the fuel price decreases to lower crude oil prices and the rand appreciating against the US dollar. When the fuel price decrease kicks in, a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol will now cost R23.25 in Gauteng, while 93 Unleaded will now retail at R22.79. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel will decrease to R21.99 inland, but this excludes the retail margins which differ between outlets. The AA said South Africans planning long journeys for their end-of-year holidays will, no doubt, be extremely happy with this news, as will consumers who suffer when particularly diesel prices increase. However, the association urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition ahead of the holiday road trip, with tyres inflated to the correct pressure as recommended by the manufacturer.

PHOTO: (Supplied)