Durban Chamber reacts to fuel protests
President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Musa Makhunga, comments on the protests against fuel price increases.
THE Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry is concerned by the impact the various protests against fuel price increases that have affected roads and major highways in Durban and Pietermaritzburg may have on the regional economy and will continue to monitor the situation.
Mr Musa Makhunga, president of the Chamber, has requested that members actively engage with the Chamber on the impact of the fuel increases.
“As always, the Durban Chamber maintains that direct engagement and discussion are vital and we urge the protestors to explore more peaceful and less obtrusive means to address their grievances. The current socio-economic climate is exerting pressure on consumers and business alike and a collaborative approach to finding solutions is needed,” he said.
Makhunga said with South Africa experiencing record high fuel prices in 2018, with an anticipated further fuel price increase in August, the Durban Chamber is concerned about the resultant pressure that this increase will place on the KwaZulu-Natal economy.
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“Furthermore, the knock-on effect of such an increase would result in price inflation of goods across the country. The Durban Chamber encourages its members and business in general, to put in place contingency plans in order to contain fuel costs within their respective budgets in line prudent business practice. The logistics sector plays a key role in South Africa’s economy, and more so in eThekwini because the Durban Harbour is the largest and busiest shipping terminal in sub-Saharan Africa. It is important that immediate action is taken to reduce the potential negative impact and to limit the knock-on effect on the local business community and South Africa’s economy as a whole,” he said.
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