South Africa’s state-owned power utility, Eskom, requested a 36% price increase for its 2026 fiscal year, well above inflation. Eskom stated that while the government’s 254 bln rand debt guarantee aids its liquidity, it is insufficient for long-term sustainability. The government has ruled out further support, insisting that Eskom adopt cost-reflective tariffs for financial stability, driving the utility to seek an above-inflation tariff hike.