The ailing metro recently came under public scrutiny after it had issued an apology to residents for a three-day disruption in refuse collection last month. The interruption was reportedly largely due to challenges in securing diesel at stable and regulated prices.

The municipality had indicated that efforts are underway to stabilise operations. City manager Sello More has said they are working closely with suppliers to secure diesel while negotiating pricing within existing regulations, aiming to resume refuse collection services without further delays.

Mayor Gregory Nthatisi expressed concern over what he described as opportunistic behaviour by some fuel suppliers, linking the issue to global geopolitical tensions involving countries such as the United States, Iran, and Israel, which have impacted global oil markets.

“If you look at our city, it looks dirty. Unfortunately, chance takers, citing international crises that have not even directly affected our shores, are already telling suppliers they will no longer sell fuel at previous prices,” he said.

Nthatisi emphasised municipalities cannot arbitrarily adjust prices, as any changes must comply with regulatory frameworks. He added that those exploiting the situation had already begun depriving residents of essential fuel supplies needed for service delivery.

The metro has reported the alleged misconduct to the department of mineral and petroleum resources, calling for intervention aimed at suppliers accused of inflating prices or withholding fuel.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday (31/3), mineral and petroleum resources minister Gwede Mantashe announced significant fuel price adjustments, effective from 1 April, citing both local and international factors.

The increases are as follows:

• Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): R3.06 per litre increase
• Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): R3.06 per litre increase
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R7.37 per litre increase
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R7.51 per litre increase
• Illuminating paraffin (wholesale): R11.67 per litre increase
• SMNRP for IP: R15.60 per litre increase
• Maximum retail price of LPGas: R1.08 per kg increase (R1.23 per kg in the Western Cape)

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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