LPG Gas & Electricity – South Africans woke up on 10 July 2025 to a harsh reality — both LPG gas and electricity tariffs have doubled overnight. With households already stretched thin due to inflation, load shedding, and high food costs, this massive price hike has created a wave of panic, particularly among low-income and middle-class families. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and Eskom confirmed the price hikes, citing increased global fuel costs, currency volatility, and infrastructural upgrades as primary reasons. But for ordinary citizens, the reasons don’t ease the pressure of surviving in a country where cooking a simple meal has now become a luxury. The increase comes at a time when South Africans are still recovering from winter-related energy demands and steep municipal service hikes. For families dependent on social grants, domestic workers, pensioners, and rural households, this rise in gas and power costs could mean skipping warm meals altogether. Analysts warn that this sharp cost escalation could push more people towards illegal connections, paraffin use, and other unsafe cooking alternatives — threatening lives and further burdening emergency services. Let’s break down how much you’ll pay, who’s hit the hardest, and whether there’s any relief in sight.
Price Hike Details: LPG Gas & Electricity Rates Doubled
From 10 July, the new electricity and LPG prices reflect nearly a 100% increase across most zones and providers.
- Price of 14kg LPG cylinder has risen drastically
- Eskom’s new residential tariffs have been implemented nationwide
- Most prepaid customers now paying double per unit compared to June
Comparison of July vs June LPG Gas & Electricity Rates
Here’s how the price change looks for average households across South Africa:
| Utility Type | June 2025 Rate | July 2025 Rate | % Increase | Average Monthly Usage | New Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPG (14kg) | R240 | R485 | +102% | 2 Cylinders | R970 |
| LPG (9kg) | R165 | R330 | +100% | 3 Cylinders | R990 |
| Electricity (Urban – Prepaid) | R2.30/kWh | R4.60/kWh | +100% | 350 kWh | R1,610 |
| Electricity (Rural – Prepaid) | R2.00/kWh | R4.20/kWh | +110% | 280 kWh | R1,176 |
| Electricity (Domestic Tariff) | R2.80/kWh | R5.30/kWh | +89% | 400 kWh | R2,120 |
| Electricity Connection Fee | R240/month | R350/month | +45% | Monthly Flat Fee | R350 |
| LPG Retail Delivery Charge | R45/order | R80/order | +78% | 4 Orders | R320 |
How This Impacts South African Families in 2025
The double price hike directly impacts household budgets, especially in poorer and rural communities.
- Families dependent on SASSA grants can barely cover energy costs
- Children may miss warm meals as gas becomes unaffordable
- Urban poor face added pressure from prepaid electricity demands
- Rise in fire incidents expected from unsafe alternative cooking methods
Families Most Affected by the Price Increase
| Family Type | Monthly Income (Avg) | Cooking Fuel Used | Estimated July Energy Cost | % of Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SASSA Grant Household | R2,350 | LPG + Prepaid | R1,650 | 70% |
| Low-Income Working Family | R5,500 | LPG + Prepaid | R2,420 | 44% |
| Pensioner Couple | R4,500 | Electricity Only | R2,100 | 47% |
| Township Household | R3,200 | LPG + Kerosene | R1,830 | 57% |
| Informal Settlement Resident | R2,100 | Paraffin/Illegal | R1,200 | 57% |
Is There Any Government Relief or Alternative?
While government has acknowledged the crisis, no clear relief plan has been rolled out as of now.
- No LPG subsidy currently exists for low-income households
- Free Basic Electricity (FBE) units remain unchanged at 50kWh/month
- Eskom and municipalities may introduce “tiered subsidies” by August 2025
Proposed Relief Measures (Still Under Review)
| Relief Option | Status | Likely Start Date | Monthly Benefit | Eligible Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPG Voucher for Poor | Under Consideration | Sept 2025 | R150-R250 | SASSA Grant Families |
| Increased FBE Allocation | Not Approved Yet | TBD | Extra 25kWh | Prepaid Users (Low-Income) |
| Winter Relief Package | Expired June 2025 | – | N/A | N/A |
| Electricity Tariff Freeze | Suggested by DA | Pending Approval | 0% Hike | All Eskom Users |
| Municipal Surcharge Removal | Under Debate | Aug 2025 (tentative) | R100-R150 | Urban Households |
Why Are LPG and Electricity Prices So High?
The steep July 2025 increase has been blamed on both global and domestic issues.
- International oil and gas prices remain volatile post-conflict in East Europe
- Rand depreciation against the USD raised import costs
- Eskom’s R200 billion debt restructuring has led to tariff escalations
- Infrastructure rebuilding, especially in KZN and Eastern Cape, has spiked costs
Key Factors Behind the Double Hike
| Cause | Impact on Pricing | Authority Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Global LPG Import Costs | +35% on base cylinder cost | DMRE |
| Rand/USD Exchange Rate | R18.50 to R19.70 = +15% | Reserve Bank |
| Eskom Debt Recovery Tariff | +28% on electricity rates | Eskom + NERSA |
| Municipal Billing Changes | Add-on Surcharges Applied | Local Govts |
| Infrastructure Costs | Increased Distribution Fees | Eskom & Municipalities |
What Can Households Do to Save Power and Gas in July?
While prices are high, households can take specific steps to lower usage.
- Shift to energy-efficient appliances
- Batch cook meals to reduce gas usage
- Use slow cookers or pressure cookers
- Limit geyser usage to off-peak hours
- Claim FBE units before they expire
Quick Tips to Cut Your July Energy Bill
| Tip | Estimated Monthly Savings |
|---|---|
| Turn Off Geyser When Not Needed | R300 – R450 |
| Use Pressure Cooker for Meals | R200 – R300 |
| Claim FBE Electricity Early | R100 – R150 |
| Switch to LED Lights | R80 – R120 |
| Cook Once, Reheat Often | R200 – R350 |
| Buy Gas in Bulk (Co-Op) | R150 – R250 |
Community Reactions: Anger, Protests & Adjustments
Across cities like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, residents have taken to social media to vent their frustration. In some areas, small protests have already begun.
- Twitter flooded with #GasHike and #EskomExploitation trends
- Local NGOs report spike in requests for food parcels and energy support
- Township-based civil groups demand emergency intervention from DMRE
Real Quotes from Residents:
“I have to choose between cooking and sending my child to school.”
– Mother in Eastern Cape
“We can’t keep up. Our prepaid electricity runs out in 6 days now.”
– Soweto resident
“No gas, no stove, and no help. How are we supposed to live?”
– Pensioner, Limpopo
The double hike in LPG and electricity prices has thrown millions into panic, forcing a national conversation around affordability, energy access, and household survival. While government may eventually step in with relief, the immediate impact is deep and distressing for South Africa’s most vulnerable. Until then, families must make difficult decisions — one cylinder or one meal at a time.
FAQs: LPG & Electricity Price Hike in South Africa – July 2025
Q1: Why did gas and electricity prices double on 10 July 2025?
A: Eskom and DMRE implemented higher tariffs to cover international price hikes, debt recovery, and infrastructure investments.
Q2: Is there any subsidy available for LPG or electricity now?
A: Not at the moment. Discussions are ongoing for a new voucher scheme and increase in free units.
Q3: How much is a 14kg LPG cylinder now?
A: The new average price is around R485, up from R240 in June.
Q4: How can I save on electricity bills this winter?
A: Use energy-efficient appliances, switch off unused devices, and collect Free Basic Electricity units on time.
Q5: Will prices increase again in August or later in 2025?
A: Another hike is unlikely in August, but a new tariff review is expected by November 2025.
Q6: Who do I contact for billing complaints or support?
A: You can contact Eskom’s customer service or your local municipal office.
Q7: Can SASSA grant recipients get energy relief?
A: A proposed LPG voucher is under review for SASSA families, possibly launching in September.