The government's extension of fuel levy relief has drawn mixed reactions, with labour groups welcoming short-term relief while others warn the move fails to address the deeper fuel price crisis facing households.
The extension keeps the R3 per litre reduction on petrol in place until 2 June 2026, while diesel users will benefit from increased relief of R3.93 per litre for May, effectively reducing the general fuel levy on diesel to zero for the month.
The temporary measures are aimed at cushioning consumers, businesses and the transportation sector from rising fuel costs, although the relief will be gradually withdrawn in June.
The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) welcomed the move, saying it would ease pressure on workers, businesses and the transport sector, but warned that vulnerable households relying on paraffin have been excluded.
“This relief is welcome, but it cannot ignore the poorest of the poor. Paraffin users are being left behind. Government must urgently extend relief to paraffin users or risk deepening inequality and hardship,” said MISA Chief Executive Officer: Operations, Martle Keyter.
MISA noted that paraffin prices are expected to rise by about R5 per litre in May, placing additional strain on low-income households ahead of winter.
“MISA also welcomes progress in the review of the fuel pricing mechanism, but insists this process must be open, transparent and participatory. Workers, communities and civil society must have a voice in shaping how fuel prices are regulated in future.At the same time, MISA calls on the private sector to contribute to economic and social relief, by committing to a moratorium on retrenchments. Rising fuel costs cannot be used as an excuse to shed jobs. Protecting workers and households must be the cornerstone of South Africa’s response to global instability.”
However, Forum for South Africa (FOSA) leader Tebogo Mashilompane criticised the intervention, describing it as inadequate and short-term.
“What is being presented as ‘relief’ is nothing more than a temporary illusion. Government is effectively borrowing time while ordinary citizens continue to suffer under crushing fuel prices, rising food costs, and an economy that is rapidly losing momentum,” Mashilompane said.
He added that the extension of the R3 per litre reduction, followed by its gradual withdrawal in June, “exposes a government that is reactive, not proactive, and completely out of touch with the daily realities of millions of South Africans.”
Saturday Star
