Msunduzi Municipality: ZA Electricity and Paraffin Price Hike August 2026

• Families using prepaid electricity and paraffin have been hit with two price increases within weeks.
• The cost of 350kWh of prepaid electricity increased by R81.57 in July, taking it from R1,181.88 to R1,263.45 a month.
• The maximum retail price of illuminating paraffin was raised by the government on 5 August, adding R2.03 a litre to its cost.
• The double increase adds R122.17 to monthly energy costs for households using both electricity and paraffin.

For a household using PMBEJD's 350kWh electricity example and buying 20 litres of paraffin, the two increases add R122.17 to monthly energy costs.

Families using prepaid electricity and paraffin have been hit with two price increases within weeks, adding to their household energy costs. The first increase was in July, when the cost of 350kWh of prepaid electricity rose by R81.57, taking it from R1,181.88 to R1,263.45 a month. This increase is significant, as PMBEJD uses Msunduzi Municipality's prepaid electricity tariff for its household affordability calculations. The double price hike has resulted in an additional R122.17 being added to monthly energy costs for households using both electricity and paraffin.

The maximum retail price of illuminating paraffin was raised by the government on 5 August, adding R2.03 a litre to its cost. This means that 10 litres now costs R20.30 more than before, while 20 litres incurs an extra R40.60 in costs. The increase in paraffin prices is particularly noteworthy given that petrol became cheaper in August, with both 93 and 95 petrol dropping by 52 cents a litre. This disparity highlights the complexities of energy pricing in South Africa and the need for careful consideration of household energy costs when advising clients on municipal regulations.

The double price hike in prepaid electricity and paraffin has significant implications for households, particularly those relying on these forms of energy. As lawyers advising clients on household energy costs, it is essential to note the recent increases and their potential impact on affordability calculations and compliance with municipal regulations. The situation underscores the need for ongoing monitoring of energy prices and their effects on vulnerable populations.

Lawyers advising clients on household energy costs should note the recent double price hike in prepaid electricity and paraffin, which may impact household affordability calculations and compliance with municipal regulations.

Source: Original reporting via Scrolla