Scandalous and ridiculous. This is how residents from Stellenbosch describe the latest fuel price hike, saying the government is losing the plot.
The latest increase in fuel prices is the highest ever for South Africa, and residents say a new plan needs to be implemented urgently.
With effect from 6 July, the price of 93 octane petrol rose by R2,37 per litre to R26,31, 95 octane by R2,57 per litre to R26,74, low sulphur diesel up by R2,30 per litre to R25,40 (inland price), and 500ppm diesel by R2,31 per litre to R25,53. The price of illuminating paraffin increased by R2,21 per litre. This will mean fuel prices are nearly R10 per litre more than they were a year ago.
Wilfred Pietersen a local undertaker and councillor, wrote on Eikestadnuus’ Facebook: “With the high petrol price rising every time everything becomes more expensive. So many of our residents can no longer afford it. Funeral prices are skyrocketing due to the high fuel price, coffins, transport, graves, flowers all became more expensive in July. I’m still trying to work on our old rates because many people have not prepared for this. I trust the Lord will help us in a short time to change our economy and the load shedding.”
Dillan Heinrich Robyn also commented that “fuel went up by cents in the olden days, now it rises by a few rand, with all that goes up more and more people are put under pressure. It just makes things harder for the poor.”
On 31 May, the Minister of Finance and Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources announced a temporary reduction in fuel levies on petrol and diesel of R1,50 per litre until 5 July. This relief will be halved to 75c per litre from 6 July, and withdrawn from 3 August, meaning prices are likely to increase still further.
“It is with extreme concern that I note that the price of fuel will be increasing again in July to its highest level ever,” said Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Daylin Mitchell on Tuesday 5 July in a statement. “While I am aware that rising international oil prices have contributed to the latest price increase, I am acutely aware that ongoing fuel price increases are raising food and transport prices for everybody.
“This is happening at a time when we are just beginning to recover from the Covid pandemic. The rising price of basic necessities has a disproportionately large impact on the poorest of the poor. I call on my national government colleagues to take every possible step to moderate the steep rise in fuel prices, including considering changes to the structure of the fuel price. It is estimated that a large part of the price can be shaved off the price if the different levies are reviewed.”
