Government’s R10 billion fuel-levy relief welcomed
Government’s R10-billion fuel levy relief has been welcomed, but concerns remain over what happens when the temporary measures end.
Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group Programme Coordinator, Mervyn Abrahams, says government must prepare contingency measures to protect consumers if fuel prices remain high.
From 4 November, diesel levies drop by R3 per litre and petrol by R1.50, before the relief tapers off in January 2027.
Abrahams says, “The relief provided in terms of the fuel levy is to be welcomed. It will have a major impact on the South African economy in ensuring that it stabilises transport costs for people. But also, with the focus being on diesel and diesel getting the biggest relief, is useful for the general economy.”
“Diesel is used on the farms; diesel is used by trucks in logistics. So giving relief to that would in all likelihood stabilise the situation and forestall the possibility of secondary inflationary impact,” adds Abrahams.