The urgent crisis of rising paraffin prices for South Africa’s poorest households

While motorists benefit from temporary levy reductions, paraffin-dependent families face rising energy costs alongside escalating food prices. Low-income households across South Africa are facing highparaffin costsfor cooking and heating, even as the government has temporarily reduced levies on petrol and diesel. While motorists benefit from a R3-per-litre fuel levy reprieve, paraffin-dependent families in informal settlements and rural communities receive no comparable relief, leaving them exposed to the full impact of market-driven energy prices.

“The government does not care about the poor; that’s why they have not given relief for paraffin, as it is used by the poor mostly. They care more about the middle class who own cars,” said Thapelo Mohapi, general secretary of Abahlali BaseMjondolo. “Winter is coming, and families will struggle to keep children warm and cook food.

When schools are closed, children won’t get the nutrition they need, and households will face rising food costs alongside unregulated paraffin prices.” Paraffin, a petroleum-derived product, remains critical for cooking and heating in households without reliable electricity or where electricity is too costly. Retail prices in low-income areas often fluctuate between R30 and R35 per litre, reflecting fragmented distribution chains, transport costs, and small-volume retail mark-ups, rather than formal government-imposed increases. According to Mohapi, many families are already resorting to wood fires for cooking and warmth, despite the health and fire risks involved.

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The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) said paraffin is not subject to the general fuel levy and therefore does not receive relief alongside petrol and diesel. The department confirmed a temporary reduction ofR3 per litre fuel levy reprievefrom April 1 to May 5, 2026, aimed at easing transport costs and inflation. Officials said broader household support measures are under consideration, but provided no immediate solutions forparaffin-dependentcommunities.

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