Transport costs could be negatively impacted in the 2018 season as oil traders warn that the oil price could increase upwards between US$75 and US$100 per barrel by March next year.
“Given that the rand is trading negatively against the US dollar, this could have dire consequences on the cost of fuel in South Africa in the coming months,” said Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) CEO, Justin Chadwick.
He noted that when added to the expected further increases in the fuel tax and accident fund levies in April 2018 due to the current fiscal pressure, the fuel price for diesel could rise as high as R16 per litre next year.