File: A fuel pump. AFP/Daniel Leal
JOHANNESBURG - Mid-month fuel price data is offering little relief for motorists, with a small petrol price cut in August.
Diesel users may face a price hike as rising global oil prices continue to erode earlier over-recoveries.
Data from the Central Energy Fund shows petrol currently pointing to a cut of just over R1 a litre, while diesel has slipped into slight under-recovery territory.
The shift follows a rise in global oil prices, which have climbed above 80 dollars a barrel amid renewed Middle East tensions.
Analysts warn that a small fuel price cut or even a diesel price hike could place additional pressure on transport costs, inflation and the cost of living.
This comes as South Africa waits for next week's Monetary Policy Committee interest rate decision, with fuel prices remaining a key inflation risk.