Photo: Flickr / Helgoland01

By all accounts, 2019 was a tough year for the motorists of Mzansi. Nine separate petrol price increases hit road users in their pockets, as a 16% yearly rise in fuel costs was felt keenly. However, it seems that there will be a much brighter start to 2020 for us all, and South Africa is beginning the year in charitable spirit.

Confirmed petrol price for January 2020

It’s a game of two halves for next month. Although there is obvious relief for petrol consumers, the large number of diesel users in South Africa face a slight increase. Elsewhere, the price for illuminating paraffin is also on the rise.

Petrol (95 grade): Decrease of 14 cents per litre.Diesel: Increase of nine cents per litre.Paraffin: Increase of seven cents per litre.

Subtracting these totals from December’s fuel price gives us the following average cost-per-litre for petrol and diesel. These prices will take effect in the first week of January:

Why is the petrol price forecast dropping in January?

Earlier in December, the AA explained why the forecast produced such a mixed bag. Petrol costs are falling due to two strong performances from the rand and the global oil markets respectively:

“The rand has held steady during December, even appreciating slightly against the US dollar. This has contributed to the petrol price relief. Meanwhile, the landed price of fuels has been mixed, with petrol down slightly, while diesel is up. Essentially, 2020 will kick off with only modest fuel price changes.”

AA statementDiesel and petrol price for January – filling up in coastal regions:Motor Vehicles and Bakkies

Average capacity: 45 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R698.40
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R633.60

Mini Buses / Taxis

Average capacity: 75 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R1 164
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R1 056

Buses and Trucks

Average capacity: 250 litres
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R 3 520

Motorcycles

Average capacity: 20 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R310.40
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R282.60

Diesel and petrol price for January – Filling up inlandMotor Vehicles and Bakkies

Average capacity: 45 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R727.20
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R657.80

Mini Buses / Taxis

Average capacity: 75 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R1 212
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R1 096.50

Buses and Trucks

Average capacity: 250 litres
Cost for a full tank of diesel:  R3 655

Motorcycles

Average capacity: 20 litres
Cost for a full tank of petrol: R323.20
Cost for a full tank of diesel: R292.40

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