SOUTH AFRICA - DATA SUGGESTS THAT FUEL PRICES MAY DROP BY AS MUCH AS 45 CENTS

The Automobile Association (AA) says that fuel price relief could be on the horizon for South Africans, as international petroleum prices came off their late-October highs.

The association was commenting on unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).

“International oil prices remained stable throughout October, but have been in decline since November began,” the AA said.

“The Rand / US dollar exchange rate firmed over the same period, making a welcome contribution to the picture.”

Current data suggests a reduction in the petrol price of 45 cents a litre, with diesel down by 38 cents and illuminating paraffin enjoying a 40 cent reduction.

However, the AA warned that the Rand had weakened sharply against the dollar in the wake of the US election results, and said that if the local currency did not return to its previous levels, the fuel price picture could be quite different at month-end.

“In addition to short-term fluctuations, the Rand remains exposed to a possible ratings downgrade in South Africa,” the AA commented.

“The currency is now also vulnerable to possible shifts in US policy when president-elect, Donald Trump, takes office early in 2017,” the Association added.

“While the expected reduction at the pumps ahead of the 2016 Christmas season is welcome, South Africans would be prudent not to expect sustained drops in the fuel price over the next few months,” the AA concluded.