President Ramaphosa Orders Emergency Intervention as South Africa Braces for Record Breaking April Fuel Price Hikes

President Ramaphosa orders ministers to find urgent solutions as South Africa faces record petrol and diesel price hikes driven by global conflicts and inflation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 6:45 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from IOL

A Dire Warning for South African Consumers

President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally alerted the nation to a significant spike in energy costs set to take effect on April 1, marking a difficult period for the domestic economy. Speaking at the conclusion of the Limpopo ANC provincial conference, the President detailed how the shifting global landscape is exerting immense pressure on South African households. According to Ramaphosa, the intersection of slower global growth and tighter economic conditions has created a volatile environment where nationalism and industrial protectionism are increasingly becoming the international norm.

The Geometric Surge in Pump Prices

The scale of the impending adjustments is expected to reach record levels, with petrol prices projected to rise by as much as R5.82 per litre while diesel could see an increase exceeding R10. These adjustments, compounded by recent fuel tax additions, are expected to push 95 Unleaded petrol to approximately R26.33 per litre inland. Ramaphosa explained that these hikes are fundamentally driven by surging international crude oil prices and a persistently weak rand, both of which are direct consequences of the intensifying conflict in the Middle East and prolonged instability in Eastern Europe.

Governmental Directive for Strategic Solutions

In response to the escalating crisis, the President has issued an urgent mandate to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and relevant cabinet colleagues to develop immediate interventions. Ramaphosa acknowledged the personal toll the crisis is taking on leadership, noting that the Finance Minister has reported losing sleep over the fiscal implications. The President emphasized that the government has been directed to see how best to shield ordinary citizens from the rising cost of living, which threatens to reduce the available fiscal space for critical social programs.