×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Consumers receive a double blow

While consumers are still trying to get used to the National Energy Regulator of SA granting Eskom a tariff increase of 31,3percent and the Reserve Bank not cutting its rates, they now should brace themselves for a steep petrol hike on Wednesday.

While consumers are still trying to get used to the National Energy Regulator of SA granting Eskom a tariff increase of 31,3percent and the Reserve Bank not cutting its rates, they now should brace themselves for a steep petrol hike on Wednesday.

The petrol price will increase by 37 to 40 cents a litre. The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will increase by 46 cents a litre and the single maximum national retail price for illuminating paraffin will rise by 62 cents a litre.

"Although the increase is in line with economic expectations, it will have a negative impact on the price of consumer goods due to increased freight costs that inevitably are passed onto the consumer," said Automobile Association spokesperson Gary Ronald.

He said motorists can expect the price of petrol to breach the R8,00 a litre mark next month.

"The latest increases will definitely touch the pockets of consumers and commuters alike."

South African National Taxi Council spokesperson Phillip Taaibosch said: "The petrol increase will affect us badly because we do not get a subsidy from government. But I appeal to our members not to consider increasing fares at this stage, for the sake of our commuters."

National Consumer Forum spokesperson Thami Bolani said consumers now had to suffer "a triple whammy" with stiff increases in electricity tariffs, the petrol price and no interest rate cut.

l See also Page 14

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.