Cost-of-living, housing, energy and growth pressures

GDP growth reached 2.1%, but weak real incomes, persistent inflation, high fuel costs, subdued investment and falling consumer sentiment continue to pressure households. Fuel-price reporting, petrol theft and east-coast gas modelling reinforce the affordability story, while the reported Bathla collapse adds to housing-supply and construction risks; repeated fuel updates should be avoided unless they contain distinct verified data or policy action.