Fuel price hike pushes up cost-of-living pressure on South African households
Petrol rose by more than R3 a litre, prompting renewed calls for fuel-levy relief as unions and political parties warn of deeper pressure on household budgets.
South African citizens grapple with the escalating cost of living, primarily driven by fuel price hikes. Petrol 93 and 95 saw a R3.12 and R3.33 increase per litre, respectively, while diesel prices rose between R2.84 and R3.24 per litre. Illuminating paraffin experienced a R3.58 increase at the wholesale level, with a R4.77 rise at the retail level. LPGas also saw a 42c/kg price jump nationwide and a 48c/kg increase in the Western Cape.
The recent hikes have reignited demands for government intervention, as unions, political parties, and MPs urge measures to alleviate consumer burden. Labour and political figures, such as UASA spokesperson Abigail Moyo and FEDUSA general secretary Riefdah Ajam, argue that households are already stretched thin by essential expenses and that urgent government action is required to prevent further hardship.
Research by Ipsos revealed that 15% of South Africans aged 15 and above, approximately 6.9 million people, have missed work, school, or university due to unaffordable transportation. Otte emphasized that transportation connects individuals to opportunities, and when people cannot afford to travel, they risk losing job prospects, income, educational progress, and economic participation.
Vuyo Zungula, from ATM, has written to Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, urging a comprehensive review of the fuel-pricing structure. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also called for relief, particularly for households dependent on paraffin, highlighting that fuel costs impact food prices, public transport, and other basic necessities.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
