The Road Freight Association has criticised Transnet Port Terminals over a new container-handling fuel surcharge of R52 per container, set to take effect in May.
CEO Gavin Kelly described the charge as misleading, arguing that containers themselves do not consume fuel. He warned that the additional cost would ultimately be passed on to consumers, placing further strain on already rising prices.
“If this continues and we see further increases, transporters will raise their rates or tariffs because the price of fuel has increased,” Kelly said.
Concerns are mounting as fuel price pressures persist. Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund indicates possible increases of up to R3 per litre for petrol and more than R9 per litre for diesel. A hike of that scale could push wholesale diesel prices above R35 per litre, surpassing April’s record.
Meanwhile, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources stated that options for fuel price relief are still under discussion.
VOC News
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