Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has made an impassioned plea to the government to extend the fuel levy relief and protect workers from steep fuel price hikes.

Fuel prices are set to increase on Wednesday, with petrol by over R3.00  per litre, and diesel users will have to fork out over R6.00 more per litre.

The price of illuminating paraffin is set to rise by R4.22 cents a litre and gas by R5, 7 cents.

COSATU National Spokesperson Zanele Sabela says workers are already financially constrained.

“COSATU appeals to the government to maintain the fuel levy relief, as it is the most cost-effective and impactful solution to protect workers, society, and the economy against this global crisis. Workers are already drowning, given that they are already spending about 40% of their earnings on transport. COSATU has also been pained that no relief has been provided thus far for households that use paraffin. We believe more needs to be done as we fear that workers, society and the economy will not be able to cope.”

#CostOfLiving
Workers are already drowning in debt, supporting up to seven relatives each and spending an average of 40% of their meagre wages on transport; will not be able to continue to survive such painful petrol, diesel, gas and paraffin price hikes @MorningLiveSABC @StatsSA pic.twitter.com/tWQU9HCXXy

— @COSATU Today (@_cosatu) May 5, 2026

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