Ordinary citizens say life is becoming increasingly unbearable as consecutive increases in electricity, fuel and transport costs continue placing pressure on household budgets, with many now fearing another rise in food prices soon.
Consumers, retailers and commuters interviewed by this publication shared growing concern on what they described as a worsening cost-of-living crisis that is forcing families to make painful adjustments just to survive.
Their fears come amid the recent 11.74% electricity tariff increase that took effect on April 1, followed by two fuel hikes within just over a month and the stance by transport operators to revert to initial gazetted fares. Ongoing negotiations for another public transport hike have further heightened anxiety among consumers.
Many residents said the increases were now affecting almost every aspect of daily life, from transport and groceries to cooking and electricity usage. Retailers have warned that the pressure businesses are facing may soon result in another increase in the prices of basic commodities as operating costs continue to rise.
Several traders explained that transporting goods had become significantly more expensive due to fuel hikes, while electricity increases have added further strain to businesses already struggling to remain operational. One retailer said businesses were trying to absorb the costs for now, but maintaining current prices was becoming difficult.
“We are paying more for electricity, transport and deliveries. Fuel has gone up twice and suppliers are already charging more. Eventually businesses will have no choice but to adjust prices because we cannot continue operating at a loss,” said the retailer.
Business owners further shared concerns that some companies may soon be forced to cut jobs or reduce wages in an effort to survive the growing operational pressures. For many households, the fear is that rising transport and fuel costs will soon affect the prices of essentials such as bread, maize meal, cooking oil, meat and other groceries.
Some commuters said they were now reconsidering how they travel daily due to the rising cost of fuel. One resident from Mbuluzi, Muzi Dlamini explained that maintaining a private vehicle was becoming too expensive and had decided to rely more on public transport instead. However, public transport has also become difficult for many consumers following the implementation of full gazetted prices and ongoing discussions around additional hikes.
Nompumelelo Sikhondze shared that her family had already started reducing the amount of groceries purchased every month, focusing only on essential items as the cost of living continues to rise.
“We no longer buy food the same way we used to. Some items are now considered luxuries in the house. We buy fewer groceries and focus only on what is necessary,” she said.
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In some communities, families are now turning to alternative methods to cope with rising electricity costs. Sizakele Mkhabela, a community member from Makhosini in Nhlangano said she had resorted to cooking outside using firewood during the day in an effort to reduce electricity usage inside the home.
“We only use electricity for important things now. I cook outside during the day using firewood because electricity units run out very quickly. It is the only way we can manage,” she said.
Consumers say the repeated increases were stretching household incomes beyond their limits, especially as salaries for many workers remained unchanged despite the rising cost of living. Others fear the situation may worsen if businesses begin increasing food prices in response to mounting operational costs.
Residents say the burden was now falling heavily on ordinary consumers, who are being forced to sacrifice comfort, reduce spending and change their lifestyles simply to survive. While businesses struggle to stay afloat and transport operators push for fare reviews, many Emaswati fear the months ahead may bring even greater financial hardship.
Eswatini Consumer Forum Mandla Ntshakala said the threat of rising food prices began with the electricity tariff increase, which he said affected food production and operational costs long before the recent fuel hikes. Ntshakala stated that the fuel increases only worsened the situation for consumers, many of whom were already struggling to cope.
He further called on government to explore alternative food security measures instead of heavily depending on imports, while also urging financial institutions to invest more in small and medium enterprises to boost local food production.
Ntshakala also raised concern that while the cost of living continued to rise, salaries for many workers remained unchanged. He said government should regularly review the cost of living and adjust wages in line with the current economic situation, including the provision of Cost of Living Adjustments (CoLA).
“Everything is increasing at the same time, but salaries remain the same. Consumers are under pressure and operators also need to be mindful of the economic situation instead of increasing every service,” he said.
