South African motorists reduce fuel consumption as prices rise, reserves detailed
via The Citizen3 min read
Data from Discovery Insure indicates a significant drop in fuel purchases by South African motorists. In April, clients bought 35% less fuel and processed 28% fewer transactions. Total trips decreased by 10% and distances driven by 9%, even after adjusting for public holidays. A survey of high-income earners revealed that 58% increased their use of e-hailing services compared to last year, rising to 70% among 18 to 30-year-olds. Rising fuel costs were cited by 35% of respondents as the reason, while 54% cited convenience. Robert Attwell, CEO of Discovery Insure, noted a clear consumer response to higher petrol prices, with motorists driving less and combining trips. Before April's price increase, daily fuel transactions doubled on March 30 and 31, with total spend rising by 81%. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources DMPR confirmed that this surge in purchases challenged its "rate of replenishment." As of March 31, the Strategic Fuel Fund SFF held 8.05 million barrels of crude oil, equivalent to approximately 40 days of the country's refining capacity. This translates to 603.7 million litres of unrefined petrol stock. South Africa's refining capacity has reportedly decreased by about 50% since 2021.
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Must ReadMinister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated that South Africa cannot prevent other countries from issuing advisories to their citizens, emphasizing that the country's laws must be respected by all. She made these remarks during a media briefing on the outcomes of a recent Cabinet meeting, where immigration issues were a key topic. Several countries, including Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria, have issued advisories for their citizens in South Africa amidst protests against illegal immigration. Ntshavheni highlighted that undocumented individuals must comply with the law and pointed out the "hypocrisy" of some African countries that criticize South Africa while engaging in similar actions within their own borders. She also stressed the need to address illegal activities by foreign nationals, such as criminality, intimidation, and drug dealing, asserting that South Africans will not tolerate being undermined in their own country. Regarding Ghana's request for the African Union to discuss the protests, Ntshavheni affirmed that South Africa is prepared to explain the situation, maintaining there are no xenophobic attacks in the country. She condemned the spread of fake videos and images, stating they aim to damage South Africa's international reputation. Ntshavheni also dismissed claims that the government is not addressing illegal immigration, citing ongoing efforts like strengthening border management, accelerating deportations, and intensifying workplace inspections to en
Questions have arisen regarding former Midvaal mayor Bongani Baloyi's potential as the MK party's mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg. Despite reports of a faction within the MK party supporting Baloyi for the role, his name was notably absent from the list of individuals announced to lead the party's election campaign in Joburg and other parts of Gauteng. On Wednesday, 6 May, the party's secretary-general, Sibonelo Nomvalo, stated that the regional task teams are intended to position the MK party as a viable political alternative for improving local government in South Africa. Political analyst Theo Neethling highlighted concerns about Baloyi's ideological consistency, given his political journey from the DA to forming his own party, Xiluva, and then joining the MK party. Neethling suggested that while Baloyi has a reputation for good governance, the MK party's populist and confrontational style might not align with his image. Another analyst, Andre Duvenhage, expressed little surprise at Baloyi's exclusion, noting that Baloyi might be too moderate for the MK party's radical approach. Duvenhage also indicated that while the MK party is unlikely to secure a majority in Johannesburg, a strong performance could make them a significant player in coalition formations after the elections.
A dispute has emerged regarding Ekurhuleni's electricity debt, with the ANC-led coalition government rejecting claims of a financial crisis, while the DA insists the situation is serious. DA member of the provincial legislature, Mike Waters, cited an Eskom debt figure of approximately R7 billion, suggesting a deepening financial problem. However, Ekurhuleni MMC for Finance, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, stated that the alleged figure is incorrect and does not indicate an immediate financial breakdown. Dlabathi clarified that most of the outstanding balance is current, with only about R1 billion being overdue, and that the city is not at risk of Eskom disconnections. He suggested the narrative around the debt lacks full understanding of the details. In contrast, Waters maintained that a written reply from the provincial Treasury confirmed Ekurhuleni owes Eskom R6.948 billion and that no action has been taken. He questioned how such a debt accumulated, raising concerns about the accuracy of reporting and the sustainability of the city's finances, and warned of potential electricity supply disruptions for residents and businesses. Dlabathi noted ongoing efforts to stabilize city finances, including campaigns to address non-paying businesses and residents. Simon Lapping, however, suggested the issue extends beyond a single figure, pointing to poor financial management, inflated prices, and incomplete projects, and questioned the accuracy of official financial reports.
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