GEORGE NEWS - "No more money for basic food." This was one of the reactions from George Herald readers as motorists began paying significantly more for petrol and diesel on Wednesday 7 October.

Petrol increased by R3.12 per litre for 93 octane and R3.33 for 95 octane, while diesel increased by between R2.84 and R3.24 per litre. Illuminating paraffin also became substantially more expensive.

The increases sparked strong reaction in the George Herald comment section, where readers expressed frustration and concern about how another increase will affect already stretched household budgets.

Monja Horn Vermeulen pointed to the cumulative effect of rising living costs, commenting: "Plus electricity increase coming ... no more money for basic food."

Others used humour to express their frustration over the affordability of everyday transport. "Walk and see more. Time to invest in good pair of takkies," Desre Sansom Belling wrote, while Swi Indliwabeyiphika Gumede joked: "We must go back to riding horses."

Khosi Zizi Mxinwa called on taxpayers to put their differences aside and collectively take a stand against the rising costs. "It's about time we as the taxpayers who are feeling the wrath of these increases forget about colour and who is who, and take a stand that the government will feel," she wrote. She added: "What will it be next month? R40 a litre …"

Transport costs were also raised in the discussion. Saartjie du Plessis argued that greater reliance on the railways to transport food and goods could help keep costs down, while criticising the deterioration of the country's rail freight system.

For ordinary consumers, the concern extends beyond what they now pay to fill their own vehicles. Diesel is extensively used in the transport and agricultural sectors, meaning sustained increases in fuel costs can place additional pressure on the cost of moving and producing goods.

According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the latest increases were driven largely by international factors. The average Brent crude oil price rose from $87.89 to $101 during the review period amid US-Iran tensions, uncertainty over oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, higher shipping costs and declining inventories.

Whatever the reasons behind the increase, the reaction from readers shows that many households are looking at the latest fuel bill alongside the cost of food, electricity and other necessities, and wondering where further savings can be made.

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