Confusion about petrol price

cape town - although fuel prices fall by r1.34/litre for 95 octane and r1.3/litre for 93 octane on wednesday, the increased transport levy in certain areas, as well as the shifting of certain regions to new price zones, could cause motorists some confusion.

the department of minerals & energy has made adjustments to the price zones into which the country is divided, and for which different transport levies are applicable.

the changes are required because the existing divisions and transport levy do not reflect the most recent forms of transport and costs, fuel company engen announced.

peter noke, a director of the sa petroleum retailers' association pointed out that fuel in pietermaritzburg, for example, had until now been cheaper than that in camperdown, which is closer to the coast.

the transport levy is calculated according to the distance from the nearest port of entry and the type of transport used.

as many as 55 regions have been re-zoned. in some cases the transport levy will be slightly lower than before.


swartruggens in north west and thaba nchu in the free state were, for example, previously both in zone 10c, where 93-octane petrol will now cost r5.88/litre. the two have now been shifted to zones 9c (r5.82) and 11c (r6.02) respectively.

noke said motorists uncertain of the zone into which they fall can consult the department's website at www.dme.gov.za.