{"id":35421,"date":"2026-04-01T10:23:03","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T08:23:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=35421"},"modified":"2026-04-01T10:23:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T08:23:04","slug":"fuel-and-energy-costs-surge-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/fuel-and-energy-costs-surge-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Fuel and Energy Costs Surge in 2026: Paraffin Users Left Without Relief"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Paraffin users across South Africa are facing a significant fuel price increase from April 2026, with illuminating paraffin rising by R11.67 per litre at the wholesale level. The increase affects low-income households who rely on paraffin for cooking, heating, and lighting, particularly in Gauteng, where alternative energy access remains uneven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The price adjustment comes as petrol and diesel users receive partial relief through a temporary fuel levy reduction, creating a gap in how different energy users are impacted. Labour groups warn that the increase disproportionately affects vulnerable households, raising concerns about widening energy inequality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/fuel-price-chaos-diesel-shortages\/\">Fuel Price Chaos in South Africa: Diesel Shortages Hit 200 Sites Ahead of April Price Hike<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paraffin Price Increase 2026: How Much More Households Will Pay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmre.gov.za\/news-room\/post\/5927\/media-statement-the-minister-of-mineral-and-petroleum-resources-announces-adjustment-of-fuel-prices-effective-from-the-1st-of-april-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy<\/a> confirmed multiple fuel price adjustments effective from the end of March 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key increases include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Petrol (93 and 95 octane): up by R3.06 per litre<br>\u2022 Diesel (500ppm): up by R7.37 per litre<br>\u2022 Diesel (50ppm): up by R7.51 per litre<br>\u2022 Illuminating paraffin: up by R11.67 per litre<br>\u2022 LP gas: up by 57 cents per kg nationally<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At retail level, the paraffin increase is even higher, with the maximum price rising by approximately R15.60 per litre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the department, these adjustments reflect global oil price pressures and currency fluctuations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4012488816\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Paraffin Users Are Hit Harder Than Motorists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike petrol and diesel users, paraffin consumers did not receive targeted relief measures beyond standard price regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Federation of Unions of South Africa said this creates an imbalance in the fuel pricing system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the federation, the increase is \u201cnot just steep but punitive,\u201d as it affects households that have limited or no alternative energy sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many residents in Gauteng\u2019s townships and informal settlements, paraffin remains a primary energy source due to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Limited access to electricity<br>\u2022 High electricity costs<br>\u2022 Unreliable supply in some areas<br>\u2022 Lack of infrastructure for alternative energy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means the price increase directly impacts basic daily needs rather than discretionary spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Energy Inequality in Gauteng: Who Is Most Affected<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Energy inequality remains a key issue in Gauteng, where income disparities influence access to different energy sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lower income households are more likely to depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Paraffin stoves for cooking<br>\u2022 Paraffin heaters during winter<br>\u2022 Paraffin lamps for lighting<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By contrast, higher income households rely on electricity, gas or solar alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The current pricing structure therefore places a heavier burden on households already facing financial pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to labour representatives, the lack of targeted relief for paraffin users raises broader concerns about equity in national energy policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3659223941\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">No Immediate Alternatives for Paraffin Dependent Households<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Industry stakeholders say there are limited short term alternatives available to households affected by the price increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Electricity, while more stable, remains costly for many residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gas alternatives, including LP gas, have also increased in price, further limiting options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, households may be forced to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Reduce energy usage<br>\u2022 Shift spending from other essentials<br>\u2022 Use unsafe or informal energy sources<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These adjustments could have wider social and safety implications, particularly in densely populated areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calls for Government Intervention and Relief Measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Federation of Unions of South Africa has called for urgent intervention to address the price increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the organisation, relief measures should be extended to paraffin users in the same way they are applied to motorists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The federation stated that failure to act could deepen inequality by prioritising mobility over basic household energy needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Labour groups are also calling for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Targeted subsidies for paraffin users<br>\u2022 Inclusion of low income households in relief programmes<br>\u2022 A review of energy pricing structures<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has not yet announced additional support measures specifically for paraffin users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1334532129\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electricity Tariff Increase Adds to Household Pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The paraffin price increase comes alongside rising electricity costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From 1 April 2026, Eskom implemented <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eskom.co.za\/eskom-implements-nersa-decision-for-financial-year-2027\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">an 8.76 percent tariff increase<\/a> for direct customers, following approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Municipal customers are expected to see increases averaging around 9 percent from July 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This combination of rising fuel and electricity costs is placing additional strain on household budgets across Gauteng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stakeholders warn that the cumulative effect may force households to make difficult trade offs between energy, transport and basic living expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The latest fuel and electricity increases highlight growing pressure on household energy affordability in Gauteng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For residents, this means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Higher monthly costs for cooking, heating and lighting<br>\u2022 Increased financial pressure on low income households<br>\u2022 Limited access to affordable alternative energy sources<br>\u2022 Greater risk of energy insecurity in vulnerable communities<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disparity between relief measures for motorists and the lack of support for paraffin users may also intensify debates around energy policy and social equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-820354759\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ: Paraffin Price Increase 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Why has the paraffin price increased<br>The increase is linked to global oil price movements and exchange rate pressures, according to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How much has paraffin increased<br>Illuminating paraffin has increased by R11.67 per litre at wholesale level, with higher increases at retail level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Who is most affected by the increase<br>Low income households that rely on paraffin for cooking, heating and lighting are most affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are there alternatives to paraffin<br>Alternatives such as electricity and gas exist but may not be affordable or accessible for all households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Has the government provided relief for paraffin users<br>No targeted relief measures have been announced for paraffin users beyond standard price regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens Next<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Labour organisations and advocacy groups are expected to continue engaging government on potential relief measures for paraffin users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further adjustments to fuel and energy pricing will depend on global oil markets and domestic policy decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the coming months, attention is likely to focus on whether targeted interventions are introduced to address the growing gap between different energy users in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Paraffin users across South Africa are facing a significant fuel price increase from April 2026, with illuminating paraffin rising by R11.67 per litre at the wholesale level. The increase affects low-income households who rely on paraffin for cooking, heating, and lighting, particularly in Gauteng, where alternative energy access remains uneven.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":35427,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[9921,527,2220],"class_list":{"0":"post-35421","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-latest-news","9":"tag-service-delivery","10":"tag-south-africa-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35421","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35421"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35421\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35428,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35421\/revisions\/35428"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35427"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35421"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35421"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35421"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}