DURBAN – Rising fuel prices are adding to the financial pressure on pensioners who rely primarily on the Older Person's Grant, warning that higher transport costs could make it harder for older people to access healthcare and other essential services.
Andre De Bruin, leader of Pensioners of South Africa (POSA) in KwaZulu-Natal, said the latest fuel price increases would place pensioners under further strain.
“The rising cost of petroleum is one of the final nails in their everyday struggle to survive,” he said.
De Bruin said pensioners who owned vehicles could be forced to sell them as the cost of keeping them on the road increased.
Those who relied on taxis and e-hailing services could also face higher transport expenses.
He said many older people depended on various forms of transport to collect medication, attend medical appointments and access other essential services.
Higher transport costs could put further pressure on pensioners already trying to stretch their monthly grants to cover food, electricity and other household necessities.
The concerns come as a national shutdown against rising fuel prices is taking place today, with demonstrators calling on the government to reduce fuel taxes and levies. In Durban, protesters are marching from King Dinuzulu Park to City Hall as part of the action.
The mobilisation was called by Concerned Citizens of South Africa, which argues that rising fuel costs are putting pressure on households and businesses.
kelyn.blackburn@iol.co.za
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