Civil society organisations are warning that rising fuel prices could soon drive-up food costs, placing further pressure on already strained South African households.
Groups such as the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group say recent increases in petrol and diesel prices are likely to push up the cost of essential goods, potentially reversing recent improvements in food affordability. The organisation cautions that low-income households will be hardest hit as transport and production costs climb.
Advocacy group Black Sash has also raised concern, noting that higher diesel prices directly affect the transport of goods such as food, which could lead to widespread price increases across the supply chain.
According to economic analyst Evashnee Naidu, ongoing global instability may trigger further fuel hikes, with the impact expected to fall disproportionately on poorer households and social grant recipients. While government measures such as temporary reductions in the fuel levy may provide some relief, she argues they are insufficient to fully protect vulnerable communities.
Experts also highlight the central role of diesel in agriculture, where it is used for planting, harvesting, and transportation. Rising diesel costs are therefore expected to ripple through the entire food system, potentially eroding recent price declines.
The Institute for Economic Justice warns that higher fuel prices will also increase transport and paraffin costs, further intensifying the cost-of-living crisis.
Although social grants currently support millions of vulnerable households, analysts say the payments remain too low to offset rising living expenses. Without stronger intervention—such as increased grant support—many households could face worsening financial hardship in the coming months.
