South Africans are facing yet another blow to their personal finances as the latest fuel price increase takes effect — pushing petrol and diesel prices to new highs at the pumps. With unleaded petrol now nearing R22 per litre and diesel also sharply up, this spike adds even more pressure to already strained households. Speaking on OFM, Annaline van der Poel of Debt Rescue warned that these rising costs — combined with soaring electricity tariffs and municipal rate hikes — are leaving consumers with little to no disposable income. Many are now relying on credit just to afford essentials like transport, food, and electricity, deepening the consumer debt crisis in South Africa and highlighting the urgent need for financial relief through debt review or structured debt management solutions.