Petrol price forecast for July 2021: It’s good, bad, and ugly…

The mid-month petrol price estimates for July were published on Tuesday, and they are the very definition of a mixed bag. Although some grades of fuel are seeing costs drop steadily, others are heading in the wrong direction. Here, we look at what the motorists of Mzansi can celebrate, as well as commiserate:

Petrol price for July 2021 in South Africa

The good:

Petrol prices ARE set for a decrease. Granted, that will only be by a few cents – as it was last month – but any movement in the right direction should be welcomed. According to the Central Energy Fund (CEF), six cents per-litre will be trimmed from the 95 grade of petrol, and 93 grade is getting three cents cheaper. Every little helps, right?

• – Petrol 95 is expected to cost an average of R17.07p/l inland, and R16.41p/l by the coast.
• – Petrol 93 is expected to cost an average of 16.88p/l inland, and R16.36p/l by the coast.

The bad:

Both diesel AND illuminating paraffin are likely to be more expensive in July, though. In total, costs for the fuel are predicted to rise by 19 cents. Meanwhile, there is a 14 cent increase on the cards for the aforementioned oil:

• – Diesel (wholesale) is expected to cost an average of R14.85 – R14.90p/l inland, and R14.24p/l by the coast
• – Illuminating paraffin (wholesale) is expected to cost an average of R8.91 across the country.

The ugly:

Things could have been much better for South Africa: After posting some very positive GDP data and seeing the Rand perform strongly against the US Dollar, there was a quiet confidence in some circles that the petrol price would take a significant tumble in July. But a mix of load shedding and COVID-19 infections effectively put paid to that.

Rolling blackouts have crippled a pandemic-weary country for the best part of two weeks, inhibiting businesses from performing at their peak at a time where every cent counts. According to the CEF, this has taken a substantial toll on the forecast fuel costs for the month ahead – and it’s another thing fine mess we can pin on Eskom.