Johannesburg – The Public Servants Association (PSA) is urging the government to consider implementing work-from-home policies to cushion workers from rising fuel costs.
The PSA warns that disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and a weakened rand pose a threat to the livelihoods of millions of workers who rely on affordable transport to get to work.
Concerned about impending challenges, the union further warns that unprecedented fuel price increases were expected from 1 April 2026, “with petrol set to rise by some R5 per litre, and diesel by more than R8 per litre”.
Fuel prices are adjusted on the first Wednesday of every month in South Africa.
In a statement on 27 March 2026, the PSA noted that diesel under-recoveries of over R8.50 per litre and petrol under-recoveries of R4.68 to R5.20 per litre point to the steepest fuel increases in the Country’s history.
“Public transport costs are expected to surge within weeks, with taxi associations and bus operators already warning of fare increases,” said the PSA.
“Many commuting workers already spend up to 40% of their income on transport.
“This hike could push that figure above 50%, making basic mobility unaffordable.”
To cushion workers from the blow, the PSA urged government departments and employers to reinstate hybrid and remote work models where feasible.
This would reduce employees’ commuting frequency, cut transport costs, and ease pressure on the public transport system.
The union pointed out that remote work was practical and essential.
“Flexible working hours can reduce peak-hour congestion and allow employees to adjust travel patterns, saving fuel and reducing strain on transport systems,” the PSA said.
On transportation, the PSA stated that it recognises that the taxi industry, which moves the overwhelming majority of South African workers daily, will face unbearable operational pressure.
The union lamented that food prices were also expected to increase due to higher fuel costs, which would impact logistics and agriculture.
“Workers will be hit by a double shock as the fuel-price hike coincides with Eskom’s 8.76% electricity tariff increase on 1 April 2026,” stated the union.
“South Africans cannot withstand simultaneous and rapid increases in transport, fuel, food, and electricity costs.”
The PSA urged the government to implement a multi‑pronged relief strategy, including temporary fuel subsidies for the taxi industry.
This sector is at the core of the public transport system, and without support, fare hikes are inevitable.
“The government must introduce targeted operational subsidies to keep fares stable and protect workers from further financial distress,” the union said.
