Despite the government’s temporary tax cut to alleviate the cost, South African drivers are expressing dissatisfaction about a dramatic increase in petrol prices.
In an effort to lessen the impact of skyrocketing global oil prices associated with the Iran war, authorities announced a cut of three rand per litre in the general fuel charge. Nevertheless, the alleviation hasn’t done much to counteract one of the sharpest hikes in pump prices ever.
Drivers in Johannesburg claim that the growing price of petrol is having a significant impact.
Kagiso Nyokolodi, Motorist: “Furious, I’m angry, I’m out of words, I have ran out of words, no this is not good.”
Others acknowledged the government’s effort but said it falls short of what is needed.
Armand Pretorius, Motorist: “It’s very bad man, but at least the government has helped us with three rands (R3.00) that’s great, but it’s still very expensive.”
For many, the rising cost of fuel is part of a broader increase in the cost of living, affecting households across the country.
Innah Venter, Motorist: “It’s very hard on everybody, salary wise, pensioners wise, buying, everything is going up.”
Economists warn that higher fuel prices could ripple through the economy, pushing up transport and food costs, and placing additional strain on already stretched consumers.
