The Automobile Association (AA) has warned that South African motorists could face fuel prices of up to R40 a litre by the end of the year if government does not intervene and global conflicts continue to drive up costs.
The association says further increases would place additional pressure on already strained household budgets, with rising fuel costs likely to affect food prices, goods and public transport.
The AA is calling on government to reduce fuel taxes and levies, arguing that these account for almost 30% of the pump price.
Chief executive Bobby Ramagwede says government could reduce the combined taxes and levies by at least R6 a litre to provide relief to consumers.
He says the latest fuel price increases reflect existing cost pressures, while ongoing international conflicts could push prices even higher.
Ramagwede says reducing the tax burden would bring fuel prices to more manageable levels and help ease the financial pressure on motorists.
The AA is also calling for the rebuilding of South Africa's strategic fuel reserves and the restoration of domestic refining capacity.
Ramagwede argues that the sale of strategic reserves in 2016, coupled with the failure to rebuild them and the closure of local refineries, has left the country more vulnerable to global supply disruptions and price fluctuations.
He says maintaining sufficient reserves could help cushion consumers against international market shocks.
The warning comes as motorists grapple with recent fuel price increases. Petrol prices rose by up to R3.33 a litre last week, while diesel increased by as much as R3.24 a litre.
Motorists say the increases are making everyday travel increasingly expensive, with some having to reconsider their spending.
One motorist travelling to Johannesburg said the higher prices would add between R150 and R200 to the cost of the journey, expressing hope that prices would soon come down.
Others say they have limited options to reduce their fuel consumption, particularly those who rely on their vehicles for work.
One motorist said the increases would mean cutting back on non-essential spending, including eating out and other luxuries.
The AA says government intervention, alongside efforts to strengthen the country's fuel security, is needed to protect consumers from further increases as global uncertainty continues.