South Africans are set for a general fuel levy increase on 1 April in line with inflation. This was announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana when he was tabling this year’s national budget in Parliament last month.

However, with the weaker rand, and the current geopolitical uncertainty caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran, Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader, Dr Mmusi Maimane called for a delay in the implementation of the fuel levy, during an urgent debate in the National Assembly this past week.

In his speech, Dr Mmusi Maimane called on the National Assembly to find a solution to what he called the far-reaching ramifications of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

“Our currency has weakened now to R16.73 meaning that effectively in the month of April we face the potential of fuel and diesel rising by R4 & R7 respectively. So ultimately, honourable members, citizens are going to feel this in the products. They are going to know the inflationary pressure. It is in the taxi fares, it is on the bus fares, it is in the food they eat.”

Last month, when he was tabling the 2026 budget proposal, one of the ways announced by Godongwana to generate revenue was to increase the general fuel levy.

On Tuesday, the National Assembly will consider the 2026 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals that will give effect to this increase.

“In terms of fuel levies, the total increase will also be in line with inflation.  The general fuel levy will go up by 9 cents per litre for petrol and 8 cents per litre for diesel. The carbon fuel levy will go up by 5 cents per litre for petrol and 6 cents for diesel.   The road accident fund levy will increase by 7 cents per litre,” said Godongwana.

VIDEO | The 2026 budget speech:

South African fuel prices are adjusted monthly, informed by international and local factors. Because of the current geopolitical situation, the cost of importing fuel and crude oil is surging.

The increases to the general fuel levy and Road Accident Fund as outlined in the budget speech, will impact transport costs which will have a knock-on effect on food prices.

Indications are that the official prices which are expected to be announced by the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, are going to be steep this month.

Maimane is calling on government to lesson the burden of inflation on citizens.

“If we are serious about protecting our people. Let us take the court judgment on VAT and say this house has the right to delay the implementation of the fuel levy that has been increased so that we can shield consumers.”