By Samkekisiwe Jwara |
Residents, traders and taxi operators around Durban’s North Beach say the latest fuel price increase is putting severe pressure on already struggling households and small businesses, with fears growing over another expected hike in the coming weeks.Street vendors operating along the beachfront say higher transport and delivery costs are cutting into their profits while customers are spending less.
Thandi Mkhize, who sells fruit and snacks on the broadwalk, said her supplier recently added an extra R50 to delivery costs.“People don’t have extra money anymore. They look at the prices and walk away,” she said. “If fuel goes up again, many of us won’t survive.”
Taxi drivers are also feeling the impact. Sipho Dlamini, who operates along the North Beach and Argyle Road route, said rising fuel costs have forced him to reduce some afternoon trips in an attempt to save petrol.
“My biggest fear is that more commuters will start using staff transport because taxis are becoming too expensive,” he said. Families are also struggling to cope. Gogo Nomsa Zulu, who transports her two grandchildren to school every day, said transport expenses are now consuming a larger share of her monthly budget than groceries.
Community members say repeated fuel hikes are pushing working-class families and informal traders closer to financial crisis as living costs continue to rise across the city.
