Motorists across South Africa are bracing for a significant increase in fuel prices this April, with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirming that no relief measures have yet been announced to cushion the impact.
According to the department, discussions around possible interventions are ongoing at higher levels of government, but no official decisions have been communicated. This leaves consumers facing steep price hikes without immediate support.
Data from the Central Energy Fund indicates that petrol prices could rise by more than R5 per litre, while diesel is expected to increase by over R9 per litre. These projected increases are largely attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which continue to disrupt global oil supply and drive up prices.
In addition to the sharp increases, motorists will also have to contend with additional costs in April, including the general fuel levy, carbon fuel tax, and the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy. These combined pressures are likely to further strain household budgets and increase the cost of transportation and goods.
Department spokesperson Robert Maake explained that while government has previously intervened during periods of extreme fuel price hikes such as in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, current conditions have not yet triggered similar action. At that time, fuel prices had exceeded R26 per litre, prompting temporary relief measures.
Currently, fuel prices are hovering around R20.30 per litre, and it remains unclear whether the government will step in before the new prices take effect. Maake emphasised that any potential interventions would be communicated through official channels once a decision is made.
The final fuel price adjustments are expected to be announced by the end of the week. Until then, South Africans are left uncertain about how they will navigate yet another increase in the cost of living.
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