Fuel prices bite: These fast-food menu items in SA will cost more

Local restaurants are bracing for higher costs as rising fuel prices hit households and businesses alike.

The Middle East conflict has triggered a major spike in fuel prices, which hit South Africa on Wednesday morning, forcing businesses and citizens to tighten their belts ahead of another cold and costly winter.

Managers at local restaurants are removing certain items from their menus while adjusting prices to keep up with inflated petrol and diesel costs.

Removed menu item at Vida e Caffe

Following the increase in fuel prices, the general manager at Vida e Caffe said that the FrioShake and latte with Lotus Biscoff biscuits on the menu will be removed. This is due to increased transport costs, which no longer allow the items to be sold at a reasonable price.

“So far, [the fuel increase] has affected the cost of the products. And then at the same time, if they increase, we have to increase our menu prices.

He added: “I think they were having some difficulties getting it [imported].”

It is not clear whether the item will be temporarily or permanently removed from the menu. The manager notes that customers have taken note of the price increases and sometimes do not return because of them.

“Every time our customers come, they realise that the prices are changing almost every time.”

He said the increased menu prices are expected to take place around the end of May.

KFC price increases

A manager from a KFC store in Johannesburg spoke to The Citizen about the effects the fuel price increases have had on it. According to him, fuel prices have not made much of an impact on menu prices yet, but he does expect an increase in menu prices “in the next two months or so”.

“It’s going to increase all our prices and stuff for consumers.”

Promotional menu items are expected to increase, but budget meal items like the Streetwise will remain the same to maintain affordability.

“Mostly, the promotional items should increase, but we should be capping the Streetwise budget meals.”

At this stage, no retrenchments are being looked at ahead of winter, but this may change once local restaurants start looking at ways to reduce expenses to keep up with increasing petrol prices.

Fewer customers at McDonald’s

The manager at a McDonald’s store also spoke to The Citizen regarding fuel price increases, saying it has already led to the prices of menu items rising by approximately R2. He also noted that customers are no longer flying through the doors like they used to.

“Since we increased the prices, the customers are no longer coming in numbers these days because of the fuel.

“Our prices have gone up around R2, so people are running away from it.”

The manager says there is an annual price increase at McDonald’s, but could not specify which items will increase significantly due to confidential “business” activities.

He added that no jobs will be reduced.

“Normally, we have a [menu price increase] yearly, but some other times, after six months, we get an increase.”

‘Stable fuel supply’

The government has also tried to reassure South Africans that the fuel supply is stable.

“Prices are mainly rising because of global oil price shocks caused by international conflict and market volatility, not because fuel is running out locally.”

According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Fuels Industry Association, there is enough fuel to last until April.

“Fuel imports are secured through mid April 2026, including during refinery maintenance periods.”

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