He noted that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, driven by the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, has triggered a severe global ripple effect.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says it will take time for domestic fuel prices to ease as geopolitical tensions and blockades continue to disrupt shipping along the critical Strait of Hormuz.
However, Mashatile assured that the government will continue providing targeted relief and resources to small-scale farmers to cushion them against skyrocketing operational and production costs. He noted that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, driven by the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, has triggered a severe global ripple effect, directly impacting fuel prices on South African shores.
The Deputy President was responding to oral questions in the National Assembly regarding the state's strategy to protect and enhance the long-term sustainability and profitability of small-scale farmers, particularly against market volatility and rising input costs.
"We do hope that the war will come to an end soon. There have been a lot of extensions on ceasefires, but it will take time before we see prices going down. It’s important that we look at our own interventions and how we support our own farmers," Mashatile said.
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