Middle East war spikes oil costs for SA motorists

Middle Eastern warfare is about to slam South African wallets again, with analysts warning of fuel hikes potentially reaching 50 to 80 cents per litre.

Oil markets are rattled by the conflict

• Brent crude surged sharply after the US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets began.
• Iran retaliated by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly a fifth of global oil.
• Rerouted tankers and spiking shipping costs are compounding supply fears.
• Traders are pricing in a tighter supply, and that momentum keeps building.

South Africa's direct exposure to the crisis

• About 80% of the country's crude imports come from the Middle East.
• Rand's strength is providing some cushion, but it cannot offset jumps this large.
• Diesel faces the steepest increases due to heavy transport and farming reliance.
• April's adjustment could dwarf the 20-cent petrol rise that hit on 4 March.

Grocery and transport costs brace for impact

• Every staple, from bread to mealie meal, moves by diesel-powered trucks.
• Farmers absorb higher fuel bills for machinery and produce transport.
• Delivery businesses will pass those costs straight through to consumers.
• Road Freight Association says earlier savings from this year are already toast.

April adjustment stacking up to be brutal

• Extra fuel levies from the 2026 Budget already kick in on 1 April.
• Prolonged Hormuz disruption would pile war-driven hikes on top of those levies.
• Reserve Bank may freeze or reverse its rate-cutting path if inflation spikes.
• Dr. Nzimande flagged that cheaper borrowing for homes and cars could evaporate entirely.