The leader of South Africa’s (SA) BOSA party, Dr Mmusi Maimane, has raised concerns over the potential long-term economic impact of the ongoing United States (US)-Israeli conflict with Iran on SA.
Speaking during an urgent debate he convened on the escalating Middle East crisis, Maimane warned that the war could drive up the cost of essential goods, particularly fuel and food.
He highlighted SA’s reliance on imported crude oil, noting that prices have already reached $103 per barrel, and cautioned that further increases were likely. With the rand trading at 16.73 to the US Dollar, Maimane said South Africans could face a rise in petrol and diesel costs of around R4 ($0.24) and R7 ($0.42) per litre respectively in April.
“These price increases will be felt by every citizen, from taxi and bus fares to the cost of food,” Maimane told parliament, highlighting that the conflict abroad could translate directly into inflationary pressure at home.
-ChannelAfrica–
