The South African Petrol Retailers Association says pressure on fuel supplies should start easing by the beginning of next week.

With Christmas around the corner, consumers are feeling the pinch as the latest fuel price increases hit home.

The AA expressed concern on Wednesday over a proposed tariff increase that would see Gauteng motorists paying 39 cents a litre more.

Commuters and drivers can breathe a sigh of relief as fuel prices drop at midnight on Tuesday. Ninety-one octane petrol will decrease by 29 cents.

South Africa's giant mining companies were badly hit by a strike on Wednesday over rising power, food and fuel prices.

Millions of Indian truckers went on strike on Wednesday to protest against high taxes and rising fuel bills, union leaders said.

Johannesburg taxi drivers this week threatened register their protest against escalating fuel prices.

As the sixth price rise of the year sent fuel heading towards R10 a litre this week -- amid predictions it could reach R11 by year-end -- there are few signs that South African motorists are making serious adjustments to the end of cheap fuel.