Agri South Africa (SA) has called on the government to ease recent fuel price increases, warning that they will affect food affordability.
The price of petrol has risen by R3 per ($0.18) litre, while the price of diesel has increased by between R7.37 ($0.20) and R7.51 ($0.21) per litre.
The increases are linked to global oil price pressures amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
AgriSA Chief Executive Officer Johann Kotzé says the impact of rising fuel costs will be felt across the food value chain.
“The effect of diesel and petrol hikes, specifically for the food industry in SA, is what we need to look at and that goes for transport, it goes for logistics. It’s not just for us as farmers. And normally that boils down to the end consumer paying more for food, which is essential in SA,” said Kotzé.
He adds, “So a big impact on the society of SA, of which we as farmers just form part of. So a big concern and I would say a big plea to the government to understand the food system and make sure that we still give food at a reasonable price to consumers.”
AgriSA says intervention is needed to protect both producers and consumers from rising costs.
—SABC—
