It's hard to believe the year is almost over, but government is giving motorists an early Christmas present as the price of petrol goes down this Wednesday. Economists, however, are disappointed with the decrease, and say it's not enough. Clover is also giving its milk suppliers a gift they've been desperately needing - an increase in the price it pays for raw milk. And while this is fantastic news for those farmers, it's not so great for consumers. Now the question looms: will consumers only pay for the increase cent for cent, which will total over 40c per litre come 1 February next year, or should they expect to pay a few rands more? We here at Bizcommunity are heading into our last couple of weeks before we close shop for the holidays - our last newsletters will be sent next Monday, 12 December, and will resume on Monday, 9 January 2012. However, for those who need their daily fix - never fear! The skeleton staff in our office closet will be keeping the sites updated with news. Have a jolly good week!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
Please send retail news to: retailnews@bizcommunity.com
Responses to this column welcomed in our new online editor's column archive.
Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net