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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - The radical fuel price hike this week couldn't have come at a worse time.

Covid-19 has had a ripple effect on the global economy. The petrol price increased by almost R1 a litre and for the second time in three years, petrol prices have surpassed the R17/litre mark.

The latest increase will affect households and businesses. The taxi industry and taxi commuters will be under pressure. Mossel Bay Taxi Association chairman Sipho Bukuva says, however, for now, taxis won't increase their fares.

"Commuters don't have the money and the increase in the petrol price is affecting us all badly." Bukuva says: "People all over Mossel Bay and South Africa have been retrenched and our community is struggling financially." He says if taxis do increase the fares, it will be after June.

The Automobile Association (AA) says the increase in fuel and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levies means motorists will be paying 35% to 40% in taxes on every litre purchased.

This week the Central Energy Fund blamed the weakened rand for the fuel hikes.

Watch a video below:

Motorists lining up at the Shell fuel station in Louis Fourie Road in Heiderand to fill up their tanks on Tuesday, 6 April.

The petrol price on Tuesday, 6 April shortly before the increase.

The petrol price on Wednesday, 7 April after the increase at midnight on Tuesday, 6 April.

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