Peter Morgan, director of the Liquid Fuels Wholesalers Association, said the diesel price trajectory is concerning, as is the increase in petrol prices. Mining and agriculture companies are feeling the weight of the rising prices, as fuel accounts for 13% of their input costs – with trucking being hit even harder. Analysts expect the increases to cause inflationary pressures on household necessities – especially for those that can’t afford it.
Lex Middelberg, founder and representative of the Republican Conference of Tshwane, estimates the number of affected ratepayers at 8,000 and the amount at stake close to R2 billion. The Pretoria High Court ordered the city to refund the ratepayers within 90 days. [Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says load shedding won’t disrupt this year’s exams.