JOHANNESBURG - South Africans could soon face mounting pressure on their household budgets as a sharp fuel price increase is expected next month.
The rising fuel costs come on top of higher electricity tariffs after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa approved a nearly 9 percent increase for power.
Experts warn the double blow could push up the price of everyday essentials, including transport and food.
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According to Mervyn Abrahams from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, households are already under strain after months of high food prices.
He says while food costs had stabilised recently, they remain high relative to South African wages.
Abrahams warns that higher petrol prices could quickly ripple through the economy.
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He explains that many everyday products depend on petroleum-based inputs, including fertiliser used in agriculture and packaging used for food.
As a result, the increases could have wide-reaching consequences for already stretched households.
Abrahams says the combined impact of higher fuel and electricity costs could place significant financial pressure on families across the country.