Experts say this week's increase in the paraffin price will have a deep impact on the lives of the poorest in South Africa.
On Wednesday the price of paraffin rose by 71c a litre. The price has steadily increased since June.
Paraffin users - mainly those living in informal settlements and rural areas - are estimated at between 17 and 21 million, close to half of the country's population.
Nhlanhla Mdadane, KwaZulu-Natal regional manager of the Paraffin Safety Association, said: "We see that these regular increases in paraffin prices are hurting the poor."
He said every year 700 million litres of paraffin were sold in South Africa, most serving as a source of energy for the poor, who had no access to electricity.
Mdadane said although paraffin was easily accessible, it was also a dangerous source of energy.
Phumzile Nteyi, PRO of the Paraffin Safety Association, said the increase in number of people affected by paraffin-related illnesses was because unscrupulous traders sold paraffin stoves condemned by the South African Bureau of Standards.
"In Durban, Umzimkhulu, East London and even Cape Town we have some shops that still sell stoves that were banned last year," Nteyi said.
He said the company that manufactured these stoves had promised to recall them.
"They claim they are not responsible and there could be a company that illegally ships them in." - Sunday Tribune
On Wednesday the price of paraffin rose by 71c a litre. The price has steadily increased since June.
Paraffin users - mainly those living in informal settlements and rural areas - are estimated at between 17 and 21 million, close to half of the country's population.
Nhlanhla Mdadane, KwaZulu-Natal regional manager of the Paraffin Safety Association, said: "We see that these regular increases in paraffin prices are hurting the poor."
He said every year 700 million litres of paraffin were sold in South Africa, most serving as a source of energy for the poor, who had no access to electricity.
Mdadane said although paraffin was easily accessible, it was also a dangerous source of energy.
He said a recent study by the Geographical Information System-based surveillance system showed that at least 1,000 people died annually from paraffin burns.Mdadane said the study also found that there were 40 000 people suffering from chemical pneumonia associated with paraffin use.
The study also found that about 80,000 people suffered from paraffin poisoning. These are mainly children who drink paraffin thinking it is water.
Phumzile Nteyi, PRO of the Paraffin Safety Association, said the increase in number of people affected by paraffin-related illnesses was because unscrupulous traders sold paraffin stoves condemned by the South African Bureau of Standards.
"In Durban, Umzimkhulu, East London and even Cape Town we have some shops that still sell stoves that were banned last year," Nteyi said.
He said the company that manufactured these stoves had promised to recall them.
"They claim they are not responsible and there could be a company that illegally ships them in." - Sunday Tribune
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