South Africans dreading festive due to high cost of living

December 4, 2024 32

Some South Africans say they will have to cut their spending this festive season to accommodate the increase in the fuel prices as they get ready to travel.

The price of both grades of petrol increased by 17 cents per litre, while diesel went up by between 55 and 56 cents a litre this morning.

The Department of Mineral Resources says that even though international oil prices dropped over the past month – a weakening in the rand contributed to the fuel price increases.

Ordinary South Africans say they are concerned about what they will be able to afford this holiday season as the fuel price hikes push up the cost of living, which is already astronomical.

South Africans have been, for some time now, complaining about the high cost of living which includes, electricity prices and food.

As the holiday season edges closer, flight prices have also ticked up as airline companies expect people to travel over the festive season.

Speaking to YNews, consumers said they will now have to cut down on activities they will do over the holidays.

One of the people we spoke to also says his family is considering downgrading their accommodation, from a 5 star to a 3-star hotel.

The concerns come as South Africans watch closely the public hearings into Eskom’s application to have electricity tariffs increased by 36% for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is presiding over the hearing and will make a final decision on the 20th of this month.

Several parties and worker’s unions have vehemently rejected the proposed increases, saying it will put more pressure on already cash-strapped citizens.

‼️Media Statement‼️

Families are struggling to put food on the table, to pay rent and to keep the lights on. We cannot add another burden with an electricity price hike. @BuildOneSA BOSA rejects NERSA’S proposed 33.8% tariff increase and we will fight them at every step. pic.twitter.com/HJmGpIlSH6

— Mmusi Maimane MP (@MmusiMaimane) December 4, 2024

Today, members of GOOD Party staged a silent picket outside the Gauteng North High Court as Cape Town challenged NERSA’s refusal to approve their excessive electricity tariff hike. The case could set a dangerous precedent, allowing municipalities & Eskom to bypass regulatory… pic.twitter.com/WP16gQna25

— GOOD (@ForGoodZA) December 4, 2024

NUMSA General Secretary Irvin Jim tells #NERSA that we reject Eskoms proposed tariff increases. We support #JustEnergyTransition as long as it is at a pace and a cost that we can afford. We reject plans to turn Mpumalanga into a ghost town whilst rushing the transition. ❤️🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/YxvENNCzfe

— NUMSA (@Numsa_Media) December 3, 2024

The high cost of living has also led to some protests in the country and some workers seeking relief from the two-pot system withdrawals.

In October, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) embarked on a national strike to voice concerns over high unemployment and the escalating cost of living.

South Africans have also taken to social media to voice their frustrations.

Reasons for the huge increase in Diesel? Did gov mess up refining plants again

— Pfaff Tweets (@Pfaff_X) December 3, 2024

Crooks!

— C (@Cherickie) December 3, 2024

The SA economy will collapse. Fuel price will double. Investors will exit SA in large numbers.
The ANC has proven how inept it is at running an economy.
30 years is enough https://t.co/zFThodRTrt

— RT1200 (@Crauseap) November 30, 2024