Fuel hike, bleak Christmas

BUDGETS: INCREASING COSTS DASH HOPES OF YEAR-END HOLIDAYS FOR CONSUMERS

- Ina Opperman

• 'Coffers are empty as we head towards December.'

With the fuel price increasing again at midnight yesterday after five months of decreases, consumers are facing a bleak festive season as they have to dig deeper into their pockets to afford the basics.

The department of petroleum and mineral resources announced petrol prices will increase by 25 cents per litre for 95-octane as well as 93-octane unleaded, dashing the plans of millions of households who were counting on some relief to afford their year-end trip to spend the holidays with family and friends.

This means motorists will now pay just under R21 for a litre of 93 unleaded at the pumps and R21.30 per litre for 95 unleaded.

Debt Rescue CEO Neil Roets said the fuel price hike could not have come at a worse time.

"South Africans have been trapped in a relentless cost-of-living price increase cycle for most of the year and our coffers are empty as we head towards December," he said.