Motorists and commuters are feeling the strain following a sharp increase in fuel prices that came into effect on May 6.

The latest adjustment has seen petrol prices rise by R3.27 per litre, while diesel has surged by more than R5 per litre, placing significant pressure on already stretched household and transport budgets.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy attributed the increases to a combination of international oil price fluctuations and the weakening rand, both of which continue to impact local fuel costs.

The following fuel price adjustments have been implemented:

• Petrol 93 (ULP and LRP): R3.27 increase per litre
• Petrol 95 (ULP and LRP): R3.27 increase per litre
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R5.27 increase per litre
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R5.27 increase per litre
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R4.22 increase per litre
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R5.63 increase per litre
• Maximum retail price of LP Gas: increase of approximately R5.07 per kilogram (inland)

Local taxi drivers have expressed frustration over the steep hike, saying it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain their operations.

“We are not happy at all. These increases are too much. We are forced to choose between making less money or increasing fares, which affects our passengers,” said the Springs association’s spokesperson, Thabo Rakhuba.

Rakhuba said rising fuel costs are cutting deeply into their daily earnings and making it harder to maintain their vehicles.

Commuters are also expected to feel the impact, as transport operators are left with no choice but to raise fares to offset rising costs. Local taxi prices are set to increase from May 8.

A taxi from Tsakani to Brakpan will increase from R22 to R25, Tsakani to Springs R22 to R25 and a Tsakani local taxi from R10 to R13.

A taxi from Kwa-Thema to Springs will increase to R20, while Springs to Duduza will increase to R25.

“We have no choice but to increase prices in order to balance costs. Commuters are not pleased with the adjustment, but at this point, we have to increase,” said Rakhuba.

Khulekani Mbhele, a local resident, said many township residents are unemployed and cannot afford taxi fares. He emphasised that the petrol price hike has also made people realise how much food prices have increased.

“We pay for everything, and we rely on taxis on a daily basis. The increase has definitely affected every South African negatively,” he said.

Mbhele added that many households depend on paraffin for cooking and staying warm during winter. He noted that the R4.22 increase in paraffin prices is a major concern, as many families will struggle to cope.

“I truly hope the government will recognise how these price increases affect impoverished households and take steps to reduce the cost of everyday items,” he said.

With fuel prices rising, residents in Kwatsaduza remain concerned about how they will cope in the coming months as the cost of living continues to climb.

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