In part three of a three-part series on the effects of rising fuel prices around the world, we focus on the population of the Mountain City south of Johannesburg, South Africa. Prices for paraffin, used for cooking, have doubled since the war in Iran started at the end of February. Many families have switched to coal and wood, cut from nearby trees, for cooking and heating despite the health risks. The crisis deepens during the winter when residents are forced to choose between spending their money on heating and cooking or nutritious food. Temperatures can go down as low as 4°C and sometimes to sub-zero during June-August winter months. | May 4-8, 2026 | 📷️:⁠ peranderspettersson | #GettyImages #fuelcosts