Upcoming petrol price hike sends South Africans into mild Twitter panic

From midnight on Wednesday 6 June 2018, the price of a litre of petrol will jump by 82 cents. This will push the total damage per litre to just below R16.

Last month, a litre of petrol cost motorists R14.72.

But it’s not just petrol facing a price spike. Its dirtier cousin diesel is set for an 86 cents/litre increase, and those who rely on paraffin for cooking and warmth will also require more than 80 cents/litre more.

At this point, it might be cheaper to fill your tank with soft drink.

Understandably, South Africans are keen to vent, mildly panic and offer their predictions of the devastation the hike will cause. Some did just that on Twitter.

“The thought of petrol price increasing tomorrow is giving me nightmares,” tweeted one user.

The thought of petrol price increasing tomorrow is giving me nightmares.

— Simps (@simps3099) June 4, 2018

And many are blaming the South Africa’s current administration — including President Cyril Ramaphosa — for the country’s woes.

“Under Ramaphosa VAT increase & high petrol prices. Cost of living at record highs. Job cuts are also coming,” one user wrote.

In America unemployment drops to 3.8%.

Seems like Donald tTrump is doing better than Ramaphosa in South Africa.

Under Ramaphosa VAT increase & high petrol prices. Cost of living at record highs. Job cuts are also coming.

— Black TV (@Black_TV__) June 4, 2018

Petrol price goes up by 82c to about R15.54 a litre. A friend in Botswana tells me they buy fuel for about P8.54 petrol and P8.39 diesel.

SA fuel prices chewed by taxes, I think over 37% are slew of taxes

— Sure Kamhunga (@sure_kamhunga) June 5, 2018

Life in South Africa is indeed expensive, with Golden Arrow bus fares, taxi fare and a knock on effect from rising agriculture expenses all set to impact the nation’s citizens in late 2018.

VAT increased, food increased, fuel increase, transportation fare will increase, life in South Africa is expensive

— Kenneth Tlhako (@KennethTlhako2) June 5, 2018

But it’s not just South Africa experiencing fuel price hikes. The likes of India is also suffering due to high global oil prices.

Farmers on strike, fuel, LPG price hiked, Rs 77,000 cr bank frauds, highest unemployment rate etc.
PM Modi, what are you doing? #ModiFails #GaonBandh pic.twitter.com/V7FkqfzuMn

— Srinivas B V (@srinivasiyc) June 4, 2018

While the price of gasoline in the United States have also increased notably since July 2017.

U.S. average price for regular grade #gasoline on 5/28/18 was $2.962/gal, UP 3.9¢/gal from 5/21/18, UP 55.6¢/gal from year ago https://t.co/F9xQbw4Pns #gasprices pic.twitter.com/JVVuquv2Mw

— EIA (@EIAgov) May 30, 2018

Those in the UK are also lamenting the cost of oil.

Petrol has been going up at its fastest rate for 18 years.

It’s gone up by 6p per litre to £1.29. Diesel rose by the same amount.

Back in September 2000 Britain was almost brought to a standstill in protest over price rises.

Back then it was 80p a litre!#5liveBreakfast pic.twitter.com/mZzLWsB0Cn

— BBC Radio 5 live (@bbc5live) June 5, 2018

But in South Africa, remember to fill your tanks if you can before midnight on Wednesday.

Did you guys fill your tanks#PetrolPrice pic.twitter.com/5FJhBFoYLN

— kopa mofago (@Tshepo_Vincent) June 3, 2018

Feature image: Juan Fernandez via Unsplash