(Photo: Pieter Cloete/Maroela Media)
The possible sharp rise in fuel prices in April due to tensions in the Middle East could have far-reaching social implications for South African households.
Analyzes by the Solidarity Research Institute (SNI) indicate that South Africans can already expect a fuel increase of between R2 and R3.60 per liter for petrol next month, while diesel prices may rise even more sharply. This rise is expected to have a material impact on the cost of living.
Solidarity Helping Hand warns that the real impact extends far beyond the petrol pump. Higher fuel costs work like a silent domino effect throughout the economy and end up affecting the most vulnerable communities the worst.
“When fuel prices rise, it not only affects transport, but food prices, service delivery and basic living costs. This puts enormous pressure on households that are already functioning on the edge of financial survival,” says Hannes Noëth, executive director of Solidarity Helpende Hand.
According to Noëth, organizations such as Helping Hand often see the first signs of this pressure in their communities.
“We see this in more families who need help, more children who go to school without food and parents who have to choose between fuel, food and school expenses. A fuel increase is therefore not just an economic matter, but a deep human and social reality.”
He adds that even middle-class families are becoming increasingly vulnerable as costs continue to rise.
However, Noëth emphasizes that despite the uncertainty there is still reason for hope.
“We have been through the covid-19 pandemic and other major challenges, and we can also handle this situation. There is uncertainty, but we must not let it steal our hope. As long as communities work together and help each other, things can go well.”
He encourages South Africans to remain focused and practical in times of pressure.
“Don’t panic and become hopeless. If you have to prepare, prepare. But don’t try to change things over which you have no control. Rather focus on what you can do. It is precisely from that place of strength and structures that we can help each other.”
Solidarity Helping Hand calls on communities to support each other in this time and to plan proactively.
“We believe service begins with the will to help. In times of economic pressure, we also see how communities stick together and support each other. Now is precisely the time to strengthen that culture of caring and involvement,” says Noëth.
Although experts believe that the international oil price may stabilize over the longer term, the short-term outlook remains challenging for many South Africans.