South Africa: Electricity and Paraffin Now Cost Families R122 More

Families in South Africa are facing a significant increase in their energy expenses due to two consecutive price hikes in just weeks. According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, prepaid electricity costs rose by R81.57 for 350kWh in July, with the tariff increasing by 6.9%. This change brought the cost of 350kWh from R1,181.88 to R1,263.45 per month.

Just days later, paraffin users suffered another price surge from August 5th onwards. The government raised the maximum retail price of illuminating paraffin by R2.03 per liter, meaning 10 liters now cost R20.30 more than before. For households using 20 liters of paraffin, this translates to an extra R40.60 each month.

When combined, the two price increases amount to a total of R122.17 more per month for families utilizing prepaid electricity and paraffin, as calculated by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group's household affordability calculations based on Msunduzi Municipality's tariff. Despite the fact that petrol prices dropped by 52 cents per liter in August, both 93 and 95 grades, this double increase in energy costs remains a burden for vulnerable households.