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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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,...
Fuel price breather as prices stay stable
Better exchange rate performance and retreats in international oil prices will mean virtually unchanged fuel prices in August. According to unaudited month-end fuel price data. During July, the recent weakening trend of the Rand against the US dollar slowed, as our currency lost some ground, but only marginally. Over the same period, international oil prices showed a slight average decrease...
Rand hit threatens fuel price
Substantial Rand weakness could undo the recent fuel price stability based on the unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). Almost two months of modestly improving Rand strength ended in a dramatic reversal as the local currency was caught up in the emerging market chaos triggered by Turkey's economic difficulties. Until the crisis hit, the fuel price picture...
Do you know the cost of your vehicle?
Do you know how much it costs to keep your car on the road every day? Or, more precisely, do you know how much your car costs you daily, even when it is parked in the garage over weekends? It is important for all vehicle owners to understand that the cost of owning a vehicle goes far beyond only the cost of fuel. Too many people assume the cost of the vehicle is the repayment of the loan (if...
Don’t take the insurance bait – cheaper is not always better
There are just over 11 million registered vehicles in South Africa (excluding caravans and trailers). According to statistics, the majority of these vehicles – around 60-70% are uninsured. This means that to keep you on the road, insurance is not a luxury, but a necessity. Statistics from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) indicate there are more than 800 000 crashes in South Africa...
Grim outlook for fuel prices
Trends are showing that another massive fuel price hike is likely at the end of May, according to the unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund. Last month's fuel price account was closed earlier by the Department of Energy, resulting in the postponement of a substantial 50 cent-per-litre increase brought on by a weakening Rand and rising international oil prices at...
Employers have a responsibility to road safety, especially in bad weather
In adverse weather conditions, such as those currently being experienced in many parts of the country, employers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their employees. And, understanding this obligation before bad weather occurs is vital. Too often we hear stories of employees who go to great lengths, sometimes risking their own and other road users’ safety, to get to work exactly on...
Fuel up as oil price, levies bite
The fuel price is set for a steep hike as higher fuel levies kick in, and an increase in international fuel prices makes its presence felt. This is according to the unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund. International petroleum product prices, which have remained stable since mid-February, have climbed sharply since 12 March. We're anticipating an increase of...
Petrol price breakdown
To understand how the fuel price is comprised, we are publishing a fuel price breakdown for the third year. This breakdown gives a snapshot of how the cost of every litre of petrol inland, and at the coast, is determined. These figures are based on 93 unleaded octane fuel (inland) and 95 octane fuel (coastal). The purpose of the breakdown, and accompanying infographics, is aimed at educating the...
Oil price spike feeds fuel hikes
Sharp increases in the landed prices of fuels are set to hit motorists hard at the end of April. This is according to the unaudited mid-month data released by the Central Energy Fund. Petroleum prices were largely flat in the first week of April, but spiked sharply as tensions escalated in Syria. The Middle East lies near many of the world's key oil producers, and petroleum prices have...
510 deaths over Easter, urgent action needed
Transport Minister Blade Nzimande released the Easter road death toll today announcing a shocking 14% increase in road fatalities over the Easter period from 29 March to 9 April 2018, over the same period in 2017. This period coincides with national school holidays. The release of these numbers must serve as an urgent indication to government to bring all role-players in road safety into the...
134 000+ road deaths over ten years,unacceptable!
The annual road fatality statistics for 2017, made available by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on their website on Friday (SUBS: 20 April), is another indication of the need for urgent road safety intervention on South Africa’s roads. The statistics show the situation on the country’s roads is worsening, despite numerous safety campaigns by government and non-governmental...