South Africans brace for extreme fuel price surge in April

South Africans already struggling to make ends meet are bracing for another blow, with petrol prices expected to rise by as much as R4 a litre in April.

The increase comes alongside a broader cost-of-living surge, including a roughly 9% electricity hike, tightening pressure on household budgets.

Diesel price hikes to filter through to food costs

The expected diesel price increase is likely to push up the cost of goods, especially food, as transport becomes more expensive.

Road Freight Association CEO Gavin Kelly said the impact on supermarket prices will not be immediate across all products.

“It depends on whether the products on the shelves were at a distribution centre… those prices are more or less fixed for a while because the transport costs have already been paid.”

However, he warned that consumers will start seeing price increases from the beginning of April.

‘Psychological’ impact but real pressure on consumers

Kelly said rising fuel prices often trigger an immediate expectation that everything will become more expensive.

“We all have that feeling that as soon as petrol goes up… everything goes up.”

He said the initial impact may be ‘far more psychological than probably real’, but confirmed that prices will rise as higher fuel costs filter through the economy.

Global risks and rand weakness are driving fuel increases

The fuel price surge is being driven by global uncertainty and supply risks, particularly linked to oil transport routes.

“We can’t get oil through the Strait of Hormuz… pushing up the price.”

The weaker rand against the dollar is also adding pressure, making imported fuel significantly more expensive.

No widespread fuel shortages, but pressure is building

Despite fears, there are currently no widespread fuel shortages in South Africa.

“There are no shortages,” Kelly said, although he noted that short-term supply constraints and panic buying can occur.

Consumers buying extra fuel in anticipation of price hikes can strain supply at individual stations.

South Africa’s fuel vulnerability under scrutiny

The situation has renewed concerns about South Africa’s limited fuel reserves, which sit at around two weeks, far below the global benchmark of 90 days.

Kelly said the country should invest more in fuel security, including local production alternatives.

“We should develop that to make sure that we are now independent… This is an absolute opportune time.”

April deadline approaches

The official fuel price adjustments will be confirmed shortly before implementation, but current data from the Central Energy Fund points to a sharp increase.

For consumers, the timing could not be worse, with many already calculating how higher petrol prices will affect daily travel and upcoming holiday plans.

As April approaches, the fear is clear: rising fuel costs could trigger another wave of price increases across the economy.

For more information, listen to Kelly on CapeTalk’s Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit using the audio player below: