Petrol prices to go up considerably: Dept

The Department of Minerals and Energy says the price of petrol will go up considerably next month.

Spokesman Bheki Khumalo said the official figures would be released today. "We are adjusting the slate levy and it will go up by a whole lot more," Khumalo said.

Central Energy Fund (CEF) spokesman Mandla Tyala said his organisation was closed for the week and queries should be directed to the department of minerals and energy.

The CEF is responsible for administering the system that regulates the price of petrol in South Africa.

Economists today warned consumers that petrol prices would rise by about 50 cents a litre next month.

The department of minerals and energy had earlier announced that it would impose a minimum increase of 25 cents a litre to recoup about R3 billion not passed on to motorists in previous price adjustments. - Sapa