Economists say South African motorists and other users of fuel products must brace themselves for a sharp hike in prices in December. This has been attributed to the weaker rand, higher international crude oil prices and related refined products.

Economists say that a sharp hike in fuel prices will have a negative impact on consumer expenditure over the Christmas period. At this stage there is an under-recovery of 39c a litre on petrol, between 47c and 48c/l on all grades of diesel and 48c/l on paraffin.

Meanwhile, the price of petrol will remain unchanged for November, but diesel will go up at midnight tonight.

The Department of Energy says that the price of higher sulphur content diesel will go up by 10c/l while diesel with lower sulphur content will increase by 8c/l. Wholesale paraffin will go up by 14c/l.