WATCH: Alberton, Joburg South motorists feel the pinch as fuel hikes kick in
Local motorists say rising fuel costs are stretching already tight budgets, despite a temporary levy cut for April.
Motorists in Alberton and the surrounding Johannesburg South areas are bracing for tougher weeks ahead as fuel price pressures continue to mount.
Motorists are queuing to get their tanks filled, and some petrol stations have already reported pumps running dry.
At a filling station in New Redruth, a local commuter told the Alberton Record the latest adjustments are already weighing heavily on his finances. “This is going to take a toll on us,” he said. “I only get paid on the 15th. When I look at how far that is from now, it’s going to drastically affect my budget. I’m very worried.”
The concerns come as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed fuel price adjustments for April, driven largely by higher global oil prices and a weaker rand.
@albertonrecordFuel is going up again in South Africa 😳 ⛽ Petrol: +R3.06 per litre ⛽ Diesel: +R7.37 to R7.51 per litre ⛽ Paraffin: +R11.67 per litre That’s a serious increase… How is this fuel hike affecting you… Are you driving less or just feeling it in your budget?♬ Fill Me Up – CallHimd.
Brent crude oil surged significantly during the review period, while international product prices and shipping costs also rose amid geopolitical tensions.
In a move to cushion consumers, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a temporary R3 per litre reduction in the general fuel levy for both petrol and diesel for April.
@albertonrecord Motorists rushed to filling stations before the fuel price hike kicked in at midnight yesterday, with long queues and last-minute top-ups everywhere. Did you beat the hike or are you feeling the pinch? #FuelPriceSA #PetrolHike #SouthAfrica #CostOfLiving ♬ original sound – Alberton Record
Experts warn that as long as international oil markets remain volatile, fuel prices in South Africa are likely to fluctuate. For households and small businesses, that uncertainty continues to make budgeting a challenge.
For now, motorists are being urged to prepare for ongoing pressure at the pumps, while hoping for further intervention in the months ahead.
