Petrol has become something of a treasure in South Africa, following recent predictions of dramatic spikes in fuel prices.
With the Russia-Ukraine conflict sitting as one of the prime reasons for the jaw-dropping potential prices, many have wondered what the next steps are regarding fuel in South Africa as the impasse persists, oceans away.
If you missed out on the frustrating news, the increases in fuel prices could reach R24/litre for petrol and R23.60 for diesel with a R2 increase for all fuel grades.
Also read: April fuel hike: AA warns that South African motorists may need to fork out R24/litre
While many motorists sit shaking their piggy banks, the South African government has announced some plans of action – and they’re taking a leaf from their own recent history book.
Focusing on motorists getting to work, the South African government is bringing a proposal that became the soundtrack to our lives in 2020. ‘If you can, stay at home.’
According to the National Treasury who presented a plan to parliament on Tuesday, four options had been outlined, with a Basic Fuel Price review and gasoline-price cap a part of the brainstorm.
On the other hand, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is opting for transport and food subsidies.
Of the DMRE’s suggestions came the recycled idea to allow people to work from home if they can.
Last year June, roughly 50% of South African employees were already working from home full time, as BusinessTech recalls.
Deputy Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Tseliso Maqubela said:
“We need to go back and ask whether everyone needs to be driving if they can afford to, and have the tools of the trade, to work from home?”
According to the Department, rationing how much fuel is sold is also a possibility, reports Bloomberg.
Although the idea of staying from home again may ring many bells and incite different feelings across South Africa, at the very least this time we are far more prepared for remote working if this came to be.
Office culture has changed dramatically in the last two years. Linda Trim, a director at Giant Leap, a massive workplace design consultancies noted late last year that the office place has changed, exhibiting a new purpose.
Said new purposes see offices as “corporate centres specifically meant to spur innovation and connection while developing team spirit,” Trim expressed.
What do you think about the option to work from home again as the government’s directive to cut fuel costs?
Also read:
Picture: Pexels/ Thirdman
