SOUTH African motorists will pay more for their fuel from October 4 because of higher international petroleum prices and a weaker rand against the dollar. Diesel will jump 36c a litre from early next month, while petrol will rise by five cents a litre, the Department of Minerals and Energy said. Petrol in the main Gauteng market currently retails at 366c a litre, while diesel is selling for 308c a litre. Illuminating paraffin is set to rise by 34c a litre. Higher fuel costs are expected to fan domestic inflationary pressure. Retail pump prices have already risen by 25% since the start of this year when petrol sold at 292c a litre. South Africa is dependent on crude imports from OPEC states Saudi Arabia, Iran and Nigeria. Its synthetic fuel industry accounts for up to a third of all automotive fuel sold in the country. – Reuters