Johannesburg residents will face increased costs for both electricity and fuel starting this week, as new tariff hikes and fuel price increases take effect.

From Tuesday, City Power customers will see an average electricity tariff increase of 12.41% for the 2025/2026 financial year, as approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). The actual increase will vary depending on usage and tariff structure. Poor and low-income households are exempt from the hike, including the R70 service charge and R130 network capacity charge, totaling R200. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena stated that the residential prepaid low tariff is designed to support indigent customers, ensuring relief for the most vulnerable amid challenging economic conditions.

Starting Wednesday, fuel prices will also rise after four consecutive months of decreases. The Department of Energy announced that 93 unleaded petrol will increase by 55 cents per litre, 95 octane by 52 cents per litre, and diesel by 82 to 84 cents per litre. Contributing factors include the recent conflict between Iran and Israel. However, a stronger rand against the dollar has cushioned prices by 15 to 16 cents per litre. Additionally, the maximum retail price of liquid petroleum gas will decrease by 57 cents per kilogram due to lower propane and butane prices. A 14% supply cost recovery has been approved for LP gas imported through Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape.