Tshwane Buses Resume Full Operations After Fuel Crisis Left Commuters Stranded

Commuters in the City of Tshwane are relieved that bus services have resumed full operations after some routes were suspended due to fuel shortages.

The disruptions left many commuters stranded and forced them to rely on other, more expensive modes of transport to get to work.

Fuel Delivered

The city’s transport department said fuel has been successfully delivered to all bus depots, and operations are returning to normal.

“We are pleased to inform all commuters that the fuel supply challenges previously affecting Tshwane Bus Services (TBS) have been resolved,” said MMC for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale.

“As a result, full bus services will resume, and all scheduled routes will operate as per the standard timetable.”

Apology

Mogale apologised to all commuters for the inconvenience and disruption.

“We understand the impact this has had on daily travel arrangements and appreciate the patience and understanding demonstrated during this period.”

“Measures are being put in place to strengthen supply chain reliability and prevent similar occurrences in the future.”

Paraffin Shock

While motorists breathed a sigh of relief with the government’s temporary fuel levy reduction, the same cannot be said for paraffin users.

• Illuminating paraffin: Now costs R11.67 more per litre

• LP gas: Increased by 57 cents per kg nationwide (R1.08 per kg in the Western Cape)

Fedusa’s Concern

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) expressed serious concern.

“While the government has moved to cushion petrol and diesel users through a temporary fuel levy reduction, no equivalent relief has been extended to paraffin beyond the standard price regulation mechanism. This means poor households that rely on paraffin remain fully exposed to these increases.”

“An increase of R11.67 per litre at the wholesale level and an R15.60 per litre increase in the regulated maximum retail price is not just steep but punitive. It targets households that have no alternatives and no cushion.”

For many working-class and poor households, paraffin is not a discretionary cost. It is used for cooking, heating, and lighting.

The Bottom Line

Buses are running again in Tshwane. But for paraffin users, the crisis is just beginning.

No relief. No cushion. And a price hike that is “punitive.”