Motorists filling up ahead of the petrol hike

Motorists have been flocking to service stations since last night to secure petrol at the current prices, before the price of fuel is hiked at midnight tonight. The price of petrol will rise by 61 cents a litre and that of diesel by 76 cents a litre. Petrol will breach the R8 mark for the first time.

Filling station owners have warned that the rush to beat the petrol hike could leave pumps dry. Fuel Retailers' Association CEO Peter Morgan says the big petroleum companies decide when to deliver and they are at their mercy. Garage owners have placed additional fuel stock orders in anticipation of today's expected rush.

Meanwhile the Department of Minerals and Energy blames the weaker rand and higher world oil prices for the increase. The rand has improved by 3% overnight, while oil prices are still at over $101 per barrel.

Sabcnews.com