Press Releases
The Automobile Association (AA) advocates for consumer rights. It also provides useful information to consumers on all aspects of mobility and road use. Read our articles below for more information.
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Huge fuel drop, but levy impacts unknown
Massive fuel price reductions are expected for December, but these could be tempered by adjustments in the retail and wholesale margin, and the possible continued use of the Slate Levy. This is according to the unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). The good news is a likely R1.85 reduction per litre in the price of petrol, with diesel coming down by an...
Let’s be safe out there together
Main roads throughout South Africa are expected to become busier over the next few weeks as travellers embark on their annual vacations. But, while this is a time for relaxation, road users cannot afford to take it easy, especially if they are driving. School holidays across the country start on 12 December 2018 and reopen on 9 January 2019. Major routes to Polokwane, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern...
More fuel relief, but exchange rate may hold sting
Substantial further fuel price reductions are on the cards for January, but the exchange rate could spoil the party according to the unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund. The South African fuel price has yet to fully catch up with considerably lower international petroleum prices, which have stayed at the plateau they reached at the beginning of December....
Battered Rand pushes fuel higher
More fuel price hikes are on their way courtesy of a weaker Rand. This is according to unaudited month-end fuel price data supplied by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). International petroleum prices remained virtually unchanged on average during August. But, the Rand lost substantial ground against the US dollar, increasing the landed price of fuels. Petrol is expected to increase by between 23...
Safer cars a better choice for new buyers
In a recent survey, almost 75% of prospective new car owners stated their purchase decision would be influenced by whether a car has been crash-tested and safety rated. 81% of these prospective buyers said the ratings of vehicles would also influence their decision if they were presented with two similar vehicles with different safety ratings. The survey – which polled more than 650 people -...
Know Your Towing Rights
Being stuck on the side of the road is an unpleasant, and sometimes scary situation for anyone. This can be even worse if you are stuck because of a crash. It is advisable for all motorists to be aware of their rights, and in control of events, in such a situation. We hear too often of motorists who are involved in crashes and they have their vehicles towed away from the scene without their...
Fuel to jump again on oil, April deficit
Fuel prices will jump to record highs in June on the back of stronger international oil prices, and a deficit carried over from April. This is according to the unaudited month-end fuel data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). The Rand traded in a fairly narrow band against the US dollar throughout May. However, international oil prices have come under strong pressure, accounting for...
Towing Industry Transformation on the Horizon
The Automobile Association has been operating in South Africa for almost ninety years - always priding ourselves on our customer service and loyalty to the values of honesty and integrity. Today, at a media briefing in Midrand, we announced our position regarding the status of the towing industry in the country, and what needs to be done to fix it. The towing industry has, over the past number...
Oil down but Rand pummels fuel price
Fuel prices look set for another jump going into July based on the unaudited mid-month fuel data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). Since the start of June, the Rand has steadily weakened against the US dollar, with the average cost per dollar having climbed from around the R12.50 mark to nearly R13.00. Fortunately, international oil prices retreated over the same period, and have had a...
Oil price a lifeline to motorists as Rand slides
South Africans have been thrown a lifeline by declining oil prices in June, according to the unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). Without oil's decline, the fuel price hike for July would have been far higher. The average Rand/US dollar exchange rate used to calculate the basic fuel price has slipped in a virtually straight line since the start of June....
Fuel set to rise on Rand weakness
Fuel prices are likely to rise again at the end of July going into August, based on the unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund. International oil prices see-sawed during the first half of July, but remained within a fairly narrow band and did not contribute substantially to the price rises we are anticipating for next month. The big news is again on the Rand...
Fuel price deregulation complex
The increase to fuel prices in July marked the fourth straight month in 2018 that these prices increased. These came off the back of three decreases in January, February and March. And while the outlook looks positive for a small decrease in August, the fuel price remains under pressure off record highs in 2018. The deregulation of petrol prices, and whether this would lead to lower fuel prices,...