Debt Rescue warns fuel costs are eroding household finances
Debt Rescue says the one cent petrol price decrease in November gives households almost no relief. Its chief operating officer, Annaline van der Poel, said higher transport, food and electricity costs are creating an affordability crisis.
Van der Poel said the government's temporary cut to the fuel levy helped prevent another large increase. She said the underlying pressure remains.
She said the combined pressure is turning a temporary squeeze on living costs into a more lasting affordability crisis. In her view, many consumers have used up their savings and now rely more on credit for everyday expenses.
Key facts
- Who
- Annaline van der Poel (COO of Debt Rescue); Debt Rescue (debt counselling organisation issuing the warning)
- What
- Debt Rescue's COO Annaline van der Poel said November's one-cent petrol price decrease offers virtually no relief and that cumulative higher transport, food and electricity costs are creating a household affordability crisis.
- When
- 7 November 2026
- Where
- South Africa
- Status
- Reported