Petrol prices expected to sky rocket next month!
The Central Energy Fund forecasts increased pain for diesel and petrol in March, with both fuel types exhibiting a significant under-recovery as a result of rising oil prices and a declining rand.
Based on data from the CEF, petrol prices are projected to rise by around R1.35 per liter by March 2024, whereas diesel prices are expected to rise by R1.40 to R1.60 per liter.
These are the expected changes:
| Inland | February Official | March Expected |
| 93 Petrol | R22.92 | R24.23 |
| 95 Petrol | R23.24 | R24.59 |
| Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) | R21.36 | R22.79 |
| Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) | R21.43 | R23.02 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R15.84 | R16.80 |
| Coastal | February Official | March Expected |
| 93 Petrol | R22.20 | R23.51 |
| 95 Petrol | R22.52 | R23.87 |
| Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) | R20.64 | R22.07 |
| Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) | R20.74 | R22.33 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R14.91 | R15.87 |
5 tips on how to save fuel and make it last longer
- Plan Efficient Routes: Map out your journeys beforehand to avoid unnecessary detours and heavy traffic. Choose routes with smoother roads and fewer stops to maintain a steady speed, which can improve fuel efficiency.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Keep your car well-maintained by regularly servicing it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This includes checking tire pressure, replacing air filters, and tuning the engine. A properly maintained vehicle operates more efficiently and consumes less fuel.
- Drive Smoothly: Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as rapid acceleration, abrupt braking, and speeding. These actions waste fuel by increasing engine workload and reducing efficiency. Instead, accelerate gradually, maintain a steady speed, and anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary stops.
- Reduce Vehicle Load: Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle’s trunk or roof rack to decrease weight and aerodynamic drag, both of which can increase fuel consumption. Only carry essential items and remove roof racks when not in use to streamline your vehicle’s profile and improve fuel efficiency.
- Use Air Conditioning Wisely: Air conditioning can significantly impact fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds. To save fuel, use the air conditioning conservatively by setting it to a comfortable but not excessively cool temperature and turning it off when not needed. Additionally, at lower speeds or when driving in cooler weather, consider opening windows instead of using the AC to save fuel.
