July fuel hike: Government cites global oil turmoil

By Johnathan Paoli

Motorists across South Africa will face higher fuel costs starting Wednesday, as the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Department has confirmed significant increases to fuel prices for the new month.

Making the announcement on Tuesday, departmental spokesperson Yolanda Mhlathi highlighted the complex factors in determining fuel prices within the country.

“South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly, informed by international and local factors. International factors include the fact that South Africa imports both crude oil and finished products at a price set at the international level, including importation costs, e.g. shipping costs,” Mhlathi said.

The changes are being driven by a combination of rising international oil prices, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and shifts in international product markets despite a stronger rand cushioning the blow slightly.

Announcing the adjustments on Tuesday, the Director Maake said the increases were informed by monthly evaluations of global and domestic