South Africans gearing up for domestic travel are facing a harsh reality: the cost of transportation has surged compared to previous years, adding pressure on already strained budgets due to soaring petrol prices and escalating toll fees.
Despite a brief respite in December and January, petrol prices in South Africa remain stubbornly high, with motorists shelling out over R20 per litre. As of 7 February, petrol prices soared by 75 cents per litre, while diesel prices saw an increase ranging from 70 to 73 cents per litre, pushing the inland price of petrol 95 to R23.24 and 0.005% diesel to R21.43.
Adding to the financial strain, toll fees are set to rise by 6.25%, according to the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), effective from 1 March 2024.
Calculating Travel Costs
To provide a comprehensive insight into the impact of these hikes, BusinessTech conducted an analysis of travel costs to South Africa’s most sought-after destinations, considering various vehicle types commonly used by South African drivers: bakkies, SUVs, hatchbacks, sedans, and crossovers.
Utilizing data from Naamsa’s latest new vehicle sales report, the analysis factored in the fuel consumption of each vehicle model based on the manufacturer’s specified average fuel consumption per 100 kilometers. For petrol, the prevalent R23.24 per litre and R21.43 per litre for diesel as of February 2024 were used for calculations.
Cost Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of estimated fuel costs and toll fees for popular routes:
1. Johannesburg to Cape Town
- Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 double cab: Estimated fuel cost: R2,128; Toll cost: R233.00
- Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6: Estimated fuel cost: R2,044; Toll cost: R233.00
- VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.4 Trendline: Estimated fuel cost: R1,848; Toll cost: R233.00
- Toyota Corolla Quest 1.8 Plus: Estimated fuel cost: R2,282; Toll cost: R233.00
- Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi: Estimated fuel cost: R2,212; Toll cost: R233.00
2. Johannesburg to Durban
- Toyota Hilux: Estimated fuel cost: R866; Toll cost: R326.50
- Toyota Fortuner: Estimated fuel cost: R832; Toll cost: R326.50
- VW Polo Vivo: Estimated fuel cost: R752; Toll cost: R326.50
- Toyota Corolla Quest: Estimated fuel cost: R929; Toll cost: R326.50
- Toyota Corolla Cross: Estimated fuel cost: R901; Toll cost: R326.50
3. Johannesburg to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- All vehicle types: Estimated fuel cost ranges from R1,386 to R1,712; Toll cost: R182.50
4. Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
- All vehicle types: Estimated fuel cost ranges from R541 to R954; Toll cost: R286.00
Conclusion
As South Africans plan their travels, it’s evident that the increased petrol prices and toll fees are significantly impacting the cost of domestic trips. Whether journeying to coastal havens like Cape Town and Durban or venturing into the wilderness of Kruger National Park, travelers are urged to factor these expenses into their budgets meticulously.
While the figures presented here serve as estimates, they underscore the financial burden placed on motorists and highlight the importance of fuel-efficient vehicles and strategic route planning to mitigate costs. As petrol prices continue to fluctuate and toll fees rise, prudent financial management remains crucial for South Africans embarking on road trips across the nation.
