'It's hard to survive in these conditions'

WHILE the slight drop in fuel prices yesterday offered much-needed relief, many South Africans are still grappling with the surging cost of living.

- LUNGANI ZUNGU

The price of both 95 and 93 unleaded has fallen by 22 cents per litre.

Diesel (0.05% sulphur) dropped by 42 cents a litre, and diesel (0.005% sulphur) came down by 41 cents per litre.

However, for households already struggling with strained finances, the minor reduction was a drop hardly mitigated for rising food and utility costs.

According to the April 2025 Household Affordability Index, compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD), the average cost of the “Household Food Basket” increased by R90.94 (1.7%), from R5 329.36 in March to R5 420.30 in April.

This spike in food prices continued to hurt the poor the most, all of which were spin offs from a sluggish economy and political instability.

In Durban, the Rise With Us Foundation, which provides weekly meals to the homeless, said it was battling to cope with the rising cost of food.

Wendy Maharaj, a representative from the foundation, said this hampered their operations.