Motorists feeling the pinch

Petrol stations across the country, including those in Rand West City, were a hive of activity last week with motorists queuing to fill up their tanks.

This was on September 5, a day before an increase in the fuel price kicked in. The Randfontein Herald hit the streets and it was evident that many motorists are frustrated at the rising costs of both petrol and diesel.

According to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the petrol price for both 93 and 95 unleaded increased by R1.71 per litre, while the price of diesel went up by R2.76 per litre.

The department’s Robert Maake said the increase in crude oil prices internationally was one of the reasons why the petrol price had to be adjusted. Illuminating paraffin prices also rose by R2.78 a litre while the price of gas increased by R2.25 per kilogram.

The Herald visited the Caltex Service Station on Kenneth Road in Greenhills, to get a sense of how motorists were feeling about the hike.

Motorist Sechaba Mache said the fuel hike will have a ripple effect on the overall price of food.

“The petrol price hike affects us immensely because everything is going to go up including the price of food and it’s going to be difficult to keep up. We are already in a situation where a lot of us don’t have money and this is just making it worse,” said Mache.

Another motorist, Lorraine Morris said she too is frustrated with the latest petrol price hike.

“I think it’s appalling and ridiculous that everything is going up. We already find it difficult living in South Africa and it’s the government’s fault.”

Meanwhile, Xolani Mthembu said that he was already feeling the pinch when it comes to the price of petrol and is considering parking his car and using taxis.

“I honestly find it very expensive to have a car these days and I don’t think I will be able to afford driving around in it, especially with this recent petrol price hike.

“I will have to make use of public transport or look for a carpooling group that I can join,” said Mthembu.