Paraffin users will feel the price hike heat

The fuel price hike will have a tremendous impact on paraffin consumers. This is according to Layton Beard, public relations manager of the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA).

“The increase in the price of paraffin will most certainly impact users of this product. Paraffin is used mostly by poorer communities, so any increase is going to hit them hard,” said Beard.

On Wednesday 02 May, the fuel price adjustments came into effect. The Department of Energy announced changes in the prices of petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin and LP gas.

“The Single Maximum National Retail Price [for illuminating paraffin] for the period 02 May 2018 to 05 June 2018 will be 1 089.0 c/l compared to 1 020.0 c/l for the period 04 April 2018 to 01 May 2018,” read the statement issued by the department.

This announcement came as the winter season approaches. Beard said the increase will be severe considering that many poorer households use paraffin for heating, in addition to cooking and lighting.

“As we enter into the winter months, many more people rely on paraffin for heat, and this will now become more difficult as the price has increased.”

Beard advised paraffin consumers to use the fuel only when necessary.

He urged consumers to explore other alternatives to keep themselves warm, such as blankets and warm clothing.

Beard warned that consumers should expect another increase as the rand’s strength weakened against the US dollar.

“If this trend of a weaker rand persists, then it is likely we will see another increase in June,” he said.

According to the Department of Energy, an increase in the price of crude oil was another contributing factor in the price hike.