THE escalating prices of fuel, electricity, and food are set to hit the average person hard as residents from Amanzimtoti and beyond are having to find ways to stretch the rand just to afford necessities.

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The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)  recently gave Eskom the green light to increase electricity tariffs for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 financial years. This comes at a time of record fuel increases. Direct Eskom customers will see an 8.76% increase for the 2026/2027 period, effective April 1, and an 8.83% for 2027/2028. Municipal customers will see an increase on July 1.

In April, petrol and diesel saw R3.06 and R7.51 increases per litre, respectively. Official indications show that in May, fuel could increase by as much as R10 per litre.

In response to the electricity tariff hikes, the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance has voiced serious concerns, with its leader, Desmond D’sa, saying the increases are unjustifiable and oppressive to the already struggling consumers. He noted that these increases far exceed the rate of inflation and will push millions of households further into poverty.

“For a working-class household in South Durban and across the country, this represents an increase of nearly R500 per month on a previously R1 000 monthly electricity account. When combined with rising food costs, transport, and water tariffs, these electricity hikes are pushing families to the breaking point. Electricity is a basic right, not a luxury,” said D’sa.

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He also called for an implementation of a lifeline tariff for indigent households, ensuring free basic electricity is meaningfully delivered, and to prioritise investment in decentralised renewable energy to reduce reliance on coal-fired generation.

According to recent research done by the non-profit organisation, the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, in Isipingo and other selected towns, consumers are struggling because prices of basic foodstuffs are increasing at a higher rate than salaries. According to its Household Food Index for March, the total household food basket for a family of four costs R5267.26. The basket includes 44 selected basic items that a family needs to survive for a month. The index shows that some items, including beef, frozen chicken, tea, and some fruits and vegetables, have gone up as much as 19% year-on-year ending March.

Before the war in Iran disrupted fuel prices, the economy was slightly improving since January, with Statistics South Africa reporting that various sectors of the economy were showing an upward trend.

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