As South Africa faces soaring fuel prices, many households are searching for ways to cope. Discover how Standard Bank’s UCount Rewards programme could help ease the financial strain amid this unprecedented increase in costs.
Image: ARMAND HOUGH
South Africa finds itself grappling with one of the most significant fuel price hikes in recent years, with petrol prices escalating by more than R3 per litre and diesel soaring over R5.
Despite a temporary R3 levy cut providing modest relief, the reality for households is stark: the burden on their finances is intensifying as the ripple effects of these increases begin to permeate through the cost of living.
“Transport costs affect everything: commuting, food prices, logistics, and the cost of living overall. In moments like this, every rand saved matters. This is where our UCount Rewards programme continues to stand out as a reliable buffer for consumers,” said Fayelizabeth Foster, the Head of Loyalty and Rewards at Standard Bank.
The UCount Rewards programme allows its members to earn up to R10 back in Rewards Points for every litre of fuel and oil purchased at Astron Energy and Caltex service stations. The amount earned depends on the member's Tier Level and the card used for the transaction.
Foster elaborated on the programme's historical context, “When fuel prices surged in 2022, we doubled UCount’s fuel rewards to assist our customers in absorbing the shock, and the impact of that decision proved invaluable. We are committed to offering the same stabilising support now, as households and businesses navigate the financial strain.”
Currently, UCount members are spending an average of approximately R2,000 on fuel per month, marking a substantial 28.5% increase from the average monthly expenditure in 2021, a time when inland petrol averaged R17.50 per litre.
With the impending increases of R3.27 for petrol and RR5.27 per litre for diesel, the effect on consumers’ wallets is becoming painfully clear.
For instance, the additional costs for filling up a 50-litre tank are significant:
This increase follows the April fuel price hikes, where petrol users faced an extra R153 for a 50-litre fill-up, while those using diesel saw increases of R363.50 for 50 litres of 0.05% (wholesale) diesel and R375.50 for 50 litres of 0.005% (wholesale) diesel.
However, for UCount Rewards members, potential savings are within reach.
By earning the maximum reward of R10 per litre, members can recover R500 back on a full 50-litre fill-up.
Even for those earning just half of that reward, petrol buyers can fully offset the price increase through accumulated rewards, while diesel users could still reclaim R250, softening the financial burden.
Fayelizabeth Foster, the Head of Loyalty and Rewards at Standard Bank.
Image: Supplied.
“With fuel prices entering new territory, UCount Rewards provides a meaningful way to recover some of what the economy takes.It’s more than just a loyalty programme; it’s a deliberate part of Standard Bank’s money-management ecosystem aimed at helping consumers manage everyday expenses. Our fuel rewards remain unmatched in the South African banking sector, designed to genuinely alleviate the pressure from rising fuel costs,” Foster added.
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