Impact of petrol/diesel price increase on farmers

©Phanuwat Nandee via 123RF

Fuel and diesel are commonly used for tillage, harvesting, machinery and transportation, making them a critical component for both small-scale and commercial farmers, as well as the entire agricultural value chain.

From a farm producer level, we are currently experiencing a late-season whereby farmers are still using a lot of diesel. This follows the Budget Speech announcement that the fuel levy will increase by 30c/litre for diesel from 1 April 2019, which adds to the woes of producers.

Furthermore, given that 70% of South Africa’s food is transported by road, the increase in the diesel price will have a negative impact on food inflation, and the disposable income of consumers who are already struggling to make ends meet.