The cost of petrol and diesel could rise from April 1, President Cyril Ramaphosa has said, instructing ministers to find ways to mitigate the impact.
South Africans will face higher petrol and diesel prices from April 1, President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned, citing ongoing disputes and geopolitical tensions, while ordering ministers to take immediate action to reduce the impact on consumers.
Speaking at the closing of the ANC’s 11th Limpopo conference on Sunday, Ramaphosa said the global economic and political environment is putting a lot of pressure on the South African economy.
“The world economy is moving beneath us. We are witnessing slow global growth and difficult economic conditions. There is increasing geopolitical tension, protectionism, and global competition for industrial profits where nationalism has become the dominant factor,” Ramaphosa said.
IOL previously reported that South Africa is facing rising petrol and diesel prices, with petrol expected to rise by R5.31–R5.82 per liter and diesel by more than R10.
The recent fuel tax adds another 21 cents per litre, pushing the price to around R25.50 for 95 Unleaded on the coast, R26.33 inland, and diesel to R29.08 in Gauteng. The rise is due to rising international oil prices following the Middle East conflict and a weak rand.
Ramaphosa noted that climate pressure is reshaping systems such as energy and infrastructure, citing the recent floods in some parts of the country as an example of the challenges facing South Africans.
He has emphasized the impact of international conflicts on domestic prices, pointing to the war in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe as key drivers of rising energy and food costs.
“By April 1, we will see the price of petrol and diesel go up, further fueled by the ongoing crisis,” He said.
He explained that these developments will increase the cost of living, make life difficult for ordinary South Africans and reduce the financial space for government programs.
Ramaphosa added that “High inflation will now be seen rising and we will also see interest rates also falling in tandem,” warning that this would further increase the cost of living for South Africans.
He said he has instructed the government to take immediate action. Ramaphosa said, “As the ANC, we say we are directing the government to address this issue, to see how we can address the challenges that South Africans are now facing when the price of petrol and diesel is rising.”
Ramaphosa acknowledged the pressure on his ministers, saying that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana told him “Sleepless nights over what’s happening.” He added, “I am not sleeping at all because of this challenge that our people are facing now.”
“I have instructed Minister Godongwana and his colleagues to deal with this issue and find a solution,” Ramaphosa said.
He also highlighted South Africa’s position on international affairs, condemning what he called “Illegal war waged by the US and Israel” and confirm the country’s support for nations struggling to self-govern, including Palestine, Cuba and Western Sahara.
The President hailed the recent People’s Protest at Constitution Hill as a demonstration of South Africans’ commitment to self-determination, noting that Limpopo sent up to 50 buses to participate.
“A clear signal from our people that if South Africa we will not be oppressed, we will not be pushed and we stand firm in our sovereignty because our sovereignty is sacred,” He said.
Ramaphosa emphasized the need to deal with long-term economic and social challenges. He cited priorities such as economic growth, job creation, reducing the cost of living, fighting crime and corruption, and strengthening government capacity.
He said the government will focus on opening infrastructure investments in energy, equipment, water and roads, while supporting the growth of industries and small and medium businesses in urban and rural areas.
“This time requires that we must build the strength of local industries, we must improve our equipment so that we can export more products made in South Africa and we must strengthen our energy security as well,” Ramaphosa said.
He emphasized the importance of business and resilience, noting that these measures are important in dealing with the challenges facing South Africans.
Ramaphosa also emphasized the progress that South Africa has made since the advent of democracy, highlighting the constitutional mandate to correct past inequalities, expand access to basic services, empower women, protect workers’ rights, and advance black economic empowerment.
“The success we have had in the last 30 years is important because we have tried to improve the lives of our people,” He said.
