Households across South Africa are bracing for a sharp increase in the price of illuminating paraffin, following the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, effective from 1 April 2026.

According to the department, the wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will increase by R11.67 per litre, while the Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP) will rise by an even steeper R15.60 per litre.

Paraffin remains a primary source of energy for many low-income households, particularly for cooking, heating and lighting. The significant increase is expected to place additional financial pressure on vulnerable communities already struggling with the rising cost of living.

The price hike is one of the largest among fuel adjustments announced for April, surpassing increases in petrol and diesel, and raising concerns about energy affordability.

The department attributed the steep rise in paraffin prices to several global and local factors, including a sharp increase in international crude oil prices, which rose from $69.08 to $93.67 per barrel during the review period.

Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly involving the United States and Iran, have disrupted oil supply routes and driven up international petroleum product prices. As a result, illuminating paraffin recorded one of the highest increases in basic fuel price contributions.

In addition, the weakening of the South African rand against the US dollar further pushed up import costs, contributing over 83 cents per litre to the increase in paraffin prices.

Higher shipping and transport costs, linked to global conflicts and adjustments in local pipeline and road tariffs, have added further pressure to fuel prices, including paraffin.

While government has introduced a temporary fuel levy reduction for petrol and diesel to cushion motorists, no such relief applies to paraffin, leaving households fully exposed to the increase.

The sharp rise in paraffin prices is likely to have a ripple effect, particularly in rural and township areas where alternative energy sources are limited.

With winter approaching in the coming months, the increase raises concerns about affordability and energy security for thousands of families who rely on paraffin for daily use.

As fuel prices continue to be influenced by global market conditions, the latest adjustment underscores the vulnerability of essential household energy sources to international economic pressures.

-Editorial Team