As global tensions continue to disrupt oil supplies, countries across Africa are once again feeling the squeeze from rising fuel costs, highlighting the continent’s heavy reliance on imported energy and its vulnerability to external shocks.
In South Africa, drivers are preparing for another fuel price increase set to take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, adding further pressure to already tight household budgets.
One business driver spoke of widespread concern, saying, “We hope that the fuel price hikes are going to come to an end soon. Before it brings an end to us. Because already the inflation is very high.”
From Wednesday, petrol will increase by R3.27 per litre, diesel by R5.27, wholesale paraffin by R4.22, and LPG by as much as R5.78 per litre.
The rise follows an announcement from the Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, who pointed to global oil supply disruptions driven by growing tensions between major world powers, along with a weakening rand.
Across the continent, many countries, including South Africa, depend heavily on imported fuel, meaning international price shocks quickly drive up transport costs and the price of basic goods.
In Johannesburg, frustration is growing among drivers and commuters who say the rising fuel prices are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
Motorist Sipho Makhanya, told NNA News that, repeated hikes are pushing many people to the breaking point.
“As motorists, I feel like this escalation of fuel is coming to a head… we are facing the same problem again,” he said, adding that urgent government action is needed.
He criticised what he described as a lack of a clear support plan, saying many transport operators and drivers are already struggling to cope.
For commuters who rely on public transport, the increases are expected to ripple through their daily lives.
Sihle Nkosi, who travels into the city for work, said stagnant wages are making it harder to get by.
“Our salaries are still the same, but everything keeps going up… transport and food will be affected,” he said, adding that many feel they are carrying the burden of rising costs.
Small business owners are also feeling the strain.
Street vendor Nomsa Dlamini said the increase would affect both her transport costs and her business.
“I use taxis every day, and also to bring the stock I sell… now I must pay more for both,” she said, “I’m already making a small profit, and this will just make things harder.”
With only hours left before the new prices take effect, many South Africans are calling for urgent steps to ease the impact.
Similar concerns are being echoed across Africa, where rising fuel costs are pushing up the price of transport, groceries and other basic goods, adding pressure to already fragile economies.
The same business driver pointed to broader concerns, saying, “So right now we are asking if there’s a plan; we cannot just get oil in only those Asian countries or European countries.”
“We do get oil in African countries as well. So our government goes around and sees if we can get fuel from African countries because this fuel thing is messing up our lives.”
He also warned about the impact on jobs and families: “The fuel might go up by one rand. But as a business driver who transports children around, the fuel is going up like this.
“We are going to end up losing our jobs. As it’s forcing me to actually raise my prices, then the parents, at the end of the day, would rather take their children out of the school.”
The latest increase once again highlights the urgent need for more sustainable energy solutions and economic support to protect vulnerable people across the continent.(NNA/NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
