The ongoing conflict between the United States of America (USA), Israel, and Iran has had many widespread effects on many nations, including driving up fuel prices globally. In South Africa, fuel prices increased, with petrol going up by R3.06 per litre and diesel rising by over R7 per litre despite a temporary reduction of the fuel levy by R3.00 per litre. These fuel hikes are bound to have a ripple effect on many South Africans, including the University of Pretoria (UP) students and staff.
Some students travel to campus daily, and with the spike in fuel prices, this means that they might have to pay more to get there – something that is not ideal in Ramaphosa’s economy. In a poll that was done on PDBY’s Instagram page, 44% of students said that the increase in fuel prices has significantly impacted their ability to get to campus. Lindokuhle Skosana, a BSc Computer Science student, said, “The fuel prices have made me more conscious about traveling daily by car and made me evaluate which lectures I value and when to go to campus so I don’t travel needlessly.”
While some students may miss lectures due to transport costs, for others, the impact is not always immediate in missed classes. It is rather how they plan their movements. Skosana described that he travels less nowadays and is more conscious about where he goes. Furthermore, 52% of students admitted that they have had to use alternative transport (train, taxi, busses, walking) to travel to campus.
When asked if he thinks students’ attendance will be affected, Prof. Nicola Viegi, the Head of the Department of Economics at UP, said, “The sharp increase in prices we are seeing are bound to affect the affordability of travel for many of our students and our staff. Probably, the effect will be more pronounced the longer the crisis continues.” This leads to a broader question: how will this affect students academically? 60% of students voted that the increase in fuel prices has already affected their academic performance.
PDBY asked Dr Maryke Henning, an accounting lecturer at UP, if there are any institutional changes she would suggest to address this issue. She said, “If there are many students [affected], we may need to start considering making limited online content available.” This would be a very helpful solution if this issue continues for a long time.
The adjusting of the teaching schedule or work routine has not been considered yet because it would be premature at this stage. However, some note that fuel availability, and not just the price, could also become a concern. The situation will continue to be monitored and the necessary adjustments will be made if required.
The broader economic effects extend beyond campus life. With South Africa relying heavily on road transport, the rising fuel prices mean basic food items and courier services (such as The Courier Guy’s 12% fuel surcharge) will become more expensive. One of the major concerns is the families that are already struggling to afford basic food and needs.
The increase in fuel prices clearly has an impact on students and staff. The best thing we can hope for is that the conflict between the countries is resolved swiftly. While the full impact is still unfolding, one thing is clear: fuel hikes are no longer just an economic issue – they are a daily, reality-shaping aspect of life on campus.
Visual: Mpho Makwela
