Global Oil Price Spike After Israel-US Strikes on Iran Increases South African Commuter Transport Costs

Single mother of three Angel Mbatsha, a domestic worker living in Nyanga, now pays R16 more per day for transport after Israel and the United States launched their war on Iran on 28 February 2026. She pays R106 a day, which is 25 percent of her wage, to take three taxis from her home in Nyanga to her work in Glencairn, 38km away.

"Every day, people are talking about how expensive transport is now," Mbatsha said.

"My taxi fares are one worry; another is my children's transport to school. " Petrol and diesel prices increased sharply again in early May 2026. The temporary reduction in the fuel levy lapses in June 2026, which is expected to add further pressure.

A recent World Bank report found that South Africa’s low-income commuters spend up to half their incomes on transport. South Africa produces almost no oil and its fuel is imported or refined from crude bought on global markets. AllAfrica reported that millions of South Africans are facing growing financial pressure as a result of the distant war.

The costs stem directly from the country's dependence on internationally priced oil. At the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference in Cape Town in March 2026, minerals and petroleum resources minister Gwede Mantashe reiterated his long-held support for local oil and gas extraction. Mantashe called local oil and gas extraction "the sustainable long-term solution".

Mantashe claimed local oil and gas production would boost "energy security" and end "energy poverty". More than 90 percent of South Africa’s coastline has been earmarked for exploration and a new state-owned petroleum company has been launched to expand fossil fuel production.

These steps stand in contrast to South Africa’s commitments to a Just Energy Transition and to cut greenhouse emissions in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Oil and gas projects typically take more than a decade from investment decision to production. Utility-scale wind and solar can be built in just a few years. 95 per kWh versus 50-60 cents per kWh.

Modelling from the Cobenefits policy report finds that a renewables-led pathway would create about 145,000 jobs in the sector. Roughly 100,000 people are currently employed in coal. 6 million more jobs overall by 2050.

Renewable energy offers locally produced electricity that is cheaper to generate and not subject to international price shocks.