These were the five biggest stories in South Africa’s transport industry this week.
Good news about petrol
Traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz has been picking up over the past week, with the seven-day rolling average for transits last Friday reaching its highest level since the war started.
More vessels are crossing, including those with no clear links to Iran or China, as nations negotiate with Tehran to get their ships through. Transits over the past day were led by liquefied petroleum gas carriers.
The US and Iran have also entered into a two-week ceasefire, leading to a significant drop in global oil prices.
South African airport named the best in Africa
The Cape Town International Airport has been named the best airport in Africa for an eleventh consecutive year.
During the annual Skytrax World Airport Awards, the South African airport also received awards for the best staff among airports in Africa, as well as recognition as the cleanest airport on the continent.
The World Airport Awards have been operating since 1999, and have become prestigious accolades for the airport industry, voted for by customers in the largest annual global airport customer satisfaction survey.
Engen imposes petrol and diesel surcharges for commercial buyers in South Africa
The South African fuel retailer Engen has imposed a temporary surcharge on its petrol and diesel supply to certain commercial customers.
According to a notice obtained by News24, the surcharge took effect on 7 April and applies to both diesel and unleaded petrol.
The outlined increases include a 48c-per-litre diesel surcharge, as well as a 35c-per-litre surcharge for unleaded petrol.
How much money petrol attendants earn in South Africa
Petrol attendants in South Africa typically earn around R8,200 per month, above the national minimum wage.
According to the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) wage tables, attendants earn a minimum of R2,060.55 per week (R8,242 per month), or R45.79 per hour.
Petrol attendants can also earn tips, which on average, add roughly R750 per month to their take-home pay.
The new bakkie brand taking South Africa by storm
Only 18 months after its official market entry in South Africa, Chinese bakkie builder Foton has managed to not only introduce three distinct passenger bakkies, but also to surpass 5,000 total units sold.
This rapid growth has seen the brand establish itself among the top ten commercial vehicle brands in South Africa.
The carmaker has also started local production at its parent company BAIC’s factory in the Eastern Cape.
