Campaign
MEDIA STATEMENT - FUEL PRICE INCREASES: OLDER PERSONS CANNOT KEEP ABSORBING THE COST
As another substantial petrol price increase takes effect on 7 October 2026, GreyPower calls for urgent relief for older persons.
2 supporters toward 1.
The increase of R3.12 per litre for 93-octane petrol and R3.33 per litre for 95-octane petrol comes after a year of sharp price fluctuations. Although some months brought welcome decreases, the overall effect of the announced adjustments remains a substantial increase.
As example: for someone buying 40 litres of 95-octane petrol, October’s increase alone adds R133.20 to the bill. That money must come from a household budget already stretched by food, accommodation, electricity and medication.
Older persons who no longer drive are also affected. Higher fuel costs put pressure on the cost of transporting food, providing care and reaching clinics. Families helping elderly relatives face additional expenses too.
For older persons dependent on SASSA, the pressure is particularly severe: The older person’s grant increased by R80 to R2 400 per month in April 2026 - a rise of 3.45%. By comparison, Stats SA’s August 2026 figures show that the cost of a typical pensioner household’s spending basket rose by 4.5% over the preceding year, while transport costs rose by 8.8% across the general consumer basket. Seniors face the same price increases as other consumers, but their modest grant increase leaves limited room to absorb these rising costs.
There is little room left to cut. Essential medical appointments cannot simply be abandoned. Reduced travel can mean greater isolation, lost independence and increased reliance on others. Telling pensioners to budget more carefully does not resolve the gap between their income and the cost of necessities.
GreyPower acknowledges the influence of international fuel prices and exchange rates. However, explaining an increase is only part of government’s responsibility. It must also consider how vulnerable households will survive it.
We call for an urgent assessment of temporary fuel levy relief, targeted assistance for older persons and affordable transport to healthcare facilities.
Government must also provide clear answers about strategic fuel reserves: what stocks are available, under what conditions they may be released, and whether their use could provide meaningful relief. If releasing reserves would protect supply without substantially lowering pump prices, the public deserves a clear explanation.
During Seniors Month, recognition of older persons must extend beyond speeches and celebrations. It must include practical measures that protect their access to food, healthcare and community life.
We urge the media to bring older persons’ experiences into the national discussion and ask government what relief it will provide, and when.
As example: for someone buying 40 litres of 95-octane petrol, October’s increase alone adds R133.20 to the bill. That money must come from a household budget already stretched by food, accommodation, electricity and medication.
Older persons who no longer drive are also affected. Higher fuel costs put pressure on the cost of transporting food, providing care and reaching clinics. Families helping elderly relatives face additional expenses too.
For older persons dependent on SASSA, the pressure is particularly severe: The older person’s grant increased by R80 to R2 400 per month in April 2026 - a rise of 3.45%. By comparison, Stats SA’s August 2026 figures show that the cost of a typical pensioner household’s spending basket rose by 4.5% over the preceding year, while transport costs rose by 8.8% across the general consumer basket. Seniors face the same price increases as other consumers, but their modest grant increase leaves limited room to absorb these rising costs.
There is little room left to cut. Essential medical appointments cannot simply be abandoned. Reduced travel can mean greater isolation, lost independence and increased reliance on others. Telling pensioners to budget more carefully does not resolve the gap between their income and the cost of necessities.
GreyPower acknowledges the influence of international fuel prices and exchange rates. However, explaining an increase is only part of government’s responsibility. It must also consider how vulnerable households will survive it.
We call for an urgent assessment of temporary fuel levy relief, targeted assistance for older persons and affordable transport to healthcare facilities.
Government must also provide clear answers about strategic fuel reserves: what stocks are available, under what conditions they may be released, and whether their use could provide meaningful relief. If releasing reserves would protect supply without substantially lowering pump prices, the public deserves a clear explanation.
During Seniors Month, recognition of older persons must extend beyond speeches and celebrations. It must include practical measures that protect their access to food, healthcare and community life.
We urge the media to bring older persons’ experiences into the national discussion and ask government what relief it will provide, and when.