Sitting in traffic to and from work is bad enough, but now you also have to factor in the astronomical cost of petrol and diesel.

As of today, petrol is going to hit a cool R17 a litre in Gauteng and other parts of the country, whilst coastal cities can expect to pay around R16,49.

Jozi, you get paid more than us Capetonians, so consider it even.

Diesel is also going to rise in price, by R1,24 per litre, and there will also be a price hike with regards illuminating paraffin and LP gas.

It’s enough to make you want to flog your car (speak to the pros at getWorth if that’s your vibe), although there are other ways to try and deal with the dent to the back pocket.

In summary, we are all going to feel the pinch of this increase (even those who don’t drive), because the extra cost is always passed on the consumer in the long run. Much of what we buy here in SA is transported via trucks, and when that cost goes up, we foot the bill.

So what exactly has led to this hike? Via IOL, here are the three main reasons:

1 – The contribution of the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate:

The Rand depreciated, on average, against the US Dollar (from 13,90 to 14,90 Rand per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to a higher contribution to the Basic Fuel Prices (BFP) on petrol by about 50 c/l and diesel and illuminating paraffin by about 52 c/l.

2 – The increase in the prices of crude oil:

The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 74,25USD to 78,25USD per barrel during the period under review. The main contributing factors were the (a) unwillingness by Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to increase their production outputs; and (b) negative impact of the hurricanes on petroleum infrastructure in the USA during the period under review.

Furthermore, the looming sanctions against Iran oil exports by the USA will put more pressure on the crude oil prices.

3 – Import prices of petroleum products:

The international prices of petroleum products increased on average during the period under review. This was in line with the higher crude oil prices and the weaker Rand against the US Dollar.

Not to be a real bummer, but the Automobile Association (AA) has warned that the latest price hikes will be “catastrophic” for road users. In the face of such a hike, employers may need to start thinking outside of the box to help their employees out.

One of the easiest ways to save fuel? Stay at home

Maybe it is time for more public and private sectors to consider flexi-time and flexi-location policies. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but many businesses worldwide have successfully implemented these policies. Their conclusion, almost unanimously, is that staff who are able to manage their own lives through flexi-time and flexi-location are more productive in their work and generally happier.

Here in Cape Town, a company like getWorth is a prime example. They’ve already pioneered the smartest way to sell your car, and pride themselves on their thoroughness and high standards of service.

They also pride themselves on moving with the times, and point to the schedule of one of their staff members as an example of that.

Instead of having to be at work at some time before 8AM and leave sometime after 5PM every weekday – resulting in an average of 12 to 14 hours travel time a week (that’s more than a working day) – she is able to come and go as she pleases.

In addition, her output is measured based on the targets that are set as per any normal employment arrangement. She is now free to work from home, near home, or at the office. If she plans to work late at night or on a weekend, she is able to do this, allowing her to prioritise something in her private life during the week where necessary.

All of this leads to the same conclusion, over and over again – a happier employee who has at least five to six more productive hours a week, and a better disposable income as they travel only when and where necessary.

We can only hope that more businesses take a lesson from getWorth’s forward-thinking approach, because that bumper-to-bumper life ain’t living the holiday.

If you’re thinking of going one step further and selling your car, they’re also leading the way. Four easy steps:

Not only do you get cash immediately from a credible buyer, and a payment up front, but you get another payment when they sell the car.

No more having to deal with the hassles of selling your car online, and there’s a professional helping you out each step of the way.

Who knows, maybe, with a little teamwork, we’ll get through this petrol price hike alright.

[source:iol]