The Automobile Association (AA) says that consumers of all grades of fuel will be paying more in July when the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy officially adjusts the prices of fuels in the week.

According to AA, the daily exchange rate has come down alarmingly since mid-month, weakening from around R13.75 to the dollar to nearly R14.30. The Association forecasts that petrol might increase by around 23 cents a litre, diesel by 38 cents and illuminating paraffin by 32 cents.

“This increase is going to be quite challenging for those who use paraffin for lighting, cooking and especially heating as South Africa heads into the heart of winter,” added the AA.

“If the Rand continues to slide with oil on an upward trajectory, this could bring further bad news for South Africa’s economy,” the AA concluded.