South African motorists are set to face a sharp increase in fuel prices from Wednesday, 7 October, with petrol prices rising by more than R3 a litre.
According to the South African Government, 93 petrol will increase by R3.12 a litre, while 95 petrol will rise by R3.33 a litre.
Diesel prices will also increase, with hikes ranging from R2.84 to R3.24 a litre, depending on the grade.
The government said the adjustments were based on changes in international oil prices, petroleum product prices and other local pricing factors.
The announcement has sparked strong reactions from members of the public on social media, with many expressing concern about the impact of the increases on households and the wider economy.
Yugen Moodley, a community activist, questioned whether South Africa could reduce the cost of fuel by making greater use of its domestic coal reserves and increasing Sasol’s synthetic fuel production.
“The South African government can reduce the fuel cost to about R10 per litre if petrol is deregulated and if Sasol could be funded to increase its capacity. The main source of fuel is coal. SA has 300 years of coal supply. Sasol in Secunda has the largest synthetic fuel plant in the world,” Moodley said.
He also alleged that “kickbacks and corruption by big petroleum companies and government” were preventing petrol from being deregulated.
Moodley said political parties should address fuel costs in their manifestos.
“So, it’s nice to see which political parties include this critical component of our economy in their manifesto,” he said.
“Although this is not a local government issue, in terms of voting for the November 4 election, this will determine which political parties really have the interests of people at heart.”
Rendani Munandi Vha-Renzo Mudifho questioned the size of the increase, asking: “Why do you increase by rands and decrease by cents?”
Khosi Zizi Mxinwa wrote: “The revolution is loading.”
Julia Kekana expressed concern about the possible knock-on effect on food prices, saying: “I’m telling you, we’re going to buy bread for R50.”
Lindo Okuhle Khumalo asked: “Why not cut the fuel levy?”
Abel Kasi also called for action, saying: “Cut the fuel levy.”
Damond Belling compared the cost of fuel with everyday products, saying: “It is cheaper to buy a 2-litre Coca-Cola than 1 litre of fuel. Tjo….”
Oagiseng Bafana Elesang said: “At this point, we’re just taking it from the back – everyone!”
Mafalo Tebza Mmakgaha highlighted the frustration of motorists filling up their vehicles, commenting: “When you pay R500 for petrol and the gauge looks like this.”
Marcel Van Den Heever joked about the possibility of walking to work, asking: “Very nice, anybody want to join my walking-to-work club?”
Peter Rau compared fuel prices in South Africa with those overseas, saying: “England is paying an equivalent of R44.80 per litre. The US R28 per litre. It is based on the world oil price. Something’s got to give soon.”
Neö Marvin Khangale wrote: “Normal life ended back in 2019.”
Tebza F Edochie joked about the potential impact on petrol stations, saying: “Fuel stations need strong security because I see trouble.”
Pieter De Wee joked about motorists still being able to buy small amounts of fuel, saying: “You can still put in R50 petrol… No problem.”
Brien Francis said: “Remember at the polls next month who controls the tax on our fuel.”
Raksha Naidoo similarly wrote: “We’ll remember this on November 4th.”
The latest increases are expected to place further pressure on motorists and households, while higher fuel costs can also have wider implications for transport and the distribution costs of goods.
