Will rising petrol prices stop you going home this Easter?
Katlego Sekhu
With fuel prices on the verge of another increase, the Siz The World team unpacked whether it is still viable for people to travel back to the homelands this Easter break.
The conversation centred on whether rising petrol costs, and the knock-on effect on everyday expenses are forcing South Africans to rethink their plans.
The team also asked the audience if they had had to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate the steady stream of price hikes.
Mpho Maboi pointed out that the impact goes beyond the petrol pump. She said it is easy to focus on fuel prices alone, but the ripple effect is what really stretches households.
As petrol goes up, transport costs rise, which often leads to higher grocery prices and other day-to-day expenses. That, she noted, is what ultimately affects people’s budgets.
Juliet Joseph, however, said the increases would not necessarily stop her from travelling. She acknowledged the added pressure from the fuel levy, but explained that she always tries to keep an emergency fund, particularly when it comes to family commitments.
She added that with global uncertainty, including ongoing conflict, it is difficult to predict how long price pressures will last, so planning ahead becomes important.
Sizwe Dhlomo offered a more cautionary view, warning that continuing with the same lifestyle despite rising costs can gradually erode financial stability.
“This is how people get poorer and poorer,” he said.
“Life goes on and you are carrying on with your lifestyle as normal. You don’t realise the ripple effect of prices going up while your salary remains the same. That money has to come from somewhere, and if you are taking from your savings, eventually they will run out.”
To hear the full discussion, listen to the podcast.
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