The influence the recent petrol increase has on residents
The Department of Energy blames international fluctuations for the price increases.
On Wednesday, 3 October, motorists got another massive shock when the national petrol price increased – again. 93 octane petrol has increased by 25 cents per litre, while 95 octane petrol is up by 29 cents per litre. People driving diesel-engined vehicles are paying 42 cents more per litre and paraffin now costs 52 cents more per litre.
The Department of Energy blames international fluctuations for the price increases. The Herald took to the streets of Randfontein to ask members of the community how they feel about the increase and how it affects their daily lives.
Local resident Magda Vermeulen told the Herald that petrol is becoming more expensive than gold.
“The increase means that we can travel less and we have less money available in our purses,” she said. She added that petrol is almost double the price it was a year ago.
She also said that her family lives in Pretoria, but the price increase means she will be visiting them a lot less. She’s praying for a better future.
Another resident, André du Plooy, told the Herald that he had to trade his big car in for a smaller one because of the increase. He has also started to make use of his bicycle to do his daily trips around town just to save a few litres of petrol. “I don’t believe a better future is insight,” said André.
Also Read: Big fuel price increase on the cards
Another motorist, Magiel Pretorius, told the Herald that he has to drive to Johannesburg on a daily basis for his work. He added that his petrol expenses increase by the day but he does not have a choice other than to work.
“The petrol increase is becoming a regular thing, and is no longer a shock – it’s an expectation,” said Magiel.
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