The Middle East conflict is pushing up oil prices and could soon raise petrol, transport, and food costs for South Africans, NDA’s Sebastien Alexanderson unpacks.
5 March 2026: The war escalating across the Middle East is no longer just a distant geopolitical crisis. It could soon become a cost-of-living issue for South Africans.
In its latest update, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) urged South Africans in the Middle East to leave the region as tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States intensify. The department said more than 6,400 citizens have registered on its Travel Smart system. It warned that further attacks are expected in the coming days, urging travellers to make use of limited commercial flights still operating.
Sebastien Alexanderson, Head of National Debt Advisors, says the conflict could affect South Africans more than many realise, with economic ripple effects already beginning to emerge.
“As conflict escalates in the Middle East following military strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, the world is watching the geopolitical fallout. But ordinary South Africans should also be watching their household budgets,” said Alexanderson.
After US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, oil markets reacted immediately, with Brent crude rising to about $83 per barrel as fears of supply disruptions grew.
Alexanderson said South Africa is particularly vulnerable because the country imports most of its fuel. When global oil prices rise and the rand weakens, the cost of petrol can increase quickly. Higher fuel prices then push up transport and operating costs for businesses, which are ultimately passed on to consumers through higher prices on everyday goods.
“The consequences of the conflict don’t stay on the battlefield. They show up at petrol pumps, grocery aisles, and in monthly bank statements, where rising fuel and food costs can force already stretched households into difficult financial choices,” said Alexanderson.
He said preparation now can make a big difference later, offering the following tips for consumers:
- Review your monthly budget and prioritise essential spending
- Cut unnecessary subscriptions and impulse spending early
- Avoid relying on credit for groceries or fuel
- Plan shopping and travel carefully to reduce transport costs
- Build even a small emergency buffer where possible
“The earlier households adjust their spending, the easier it is to avoid falling deeper into debt,” he says.
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Author: Omega Ngema from Financial Wealth Holdings on behalf of National Debt Advisors.
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