By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The impact of the rising fuel cost in South Africa is already being felt with the price of a basic basket of 44 essential food items increasing by R123,56 month on month. This is according to non-profit organisation, the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD). The Group says while there is usually a slight increase around this period due to seasonal price fluctuations, this two-point-three percent up tick is attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to the price of oil rising to over 110-dollars a barrel. Program co-ordinator of the Group, Mervyn Abrahams says with another fuel price hike on the cards, consumers will be faced with even higher costs in coming months...

<p>By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The impact of the rising fuel cost in South Africa is already being felt with the price of a basic basket of 44 essential food items increasing by R123,56 month on month. This is according to non-profit organisation, the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD). The Group says while there is usually a slight increase around this period due to seasonal price fluctuations, this two-point-three percent up tick is attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to the price of oil rising to over 110-dollars a barrel. Program co-ordinator of the Group, Mervyn Abrahams says with another fuel price hike on the cards, consumers will be faced with even higher costs in coming months...</p>

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