Feb fuel price hike a blow for consumers but won't have major effect on economy - economist

CAPE TOWN - Motorists will have to dig a little deeper in their pockets at the pumps, as fuel prices have increased again.  

Both grades of petrol now cost 82 cents per litre, while the price of diesel will cost between R1.1 and R1.5 per litre.  

ALSO READ: Motorists to pay more for fuel from Wednesday due to higher oil prices, weaker rand

This is the second fuel hike for 2025.  

Economist Dawie Roodt said the increase was a blow for consumers, but it won't have any major effects on the economy.  

"The average consumer in South Africa is going through a very difficult time, so of course, many people simply won't be able to afford living conditions as they are, but this increase will pile up the pressure on the average consumer. It's not the end of the world, certainly, but the average consumer is gradually coming under more and more strain."

Roodt said that budgeting was key.
 
"Just make sure you have a proper business plan and a proper budget and also include in your budget some unforeseen expense like an unforeseen or an unexpected increase in the petrol prices."