MISA calls for urgent fuel levy cut as petrol set to cross R30 a litre

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) is calling on government to urgently reduce the General Fuel Levy as petrol prices are set to cross the R30-a-litre mark for the first time from Wednesday, October 7.

The call comes after fuel price increases of R3.33 a litre for 95 unleaded petrol, R3.12 for 93 unleaded and up to R3.24 for diesel were confirmed by Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe.

In Gauteng, the price of 95 unleaded petrol will rise to R30.25 a litre, while 93 unleaded will cost R29.88. At the coast, 95 unleaded will increase to R29.38.

MISA also raised concern about the sharp increase in illuminating paraffin, which will rise by R4.77 a litre. The association said the increase would place further pressure on low-income households that rely on paraffin for cooking and heating.

The union warned that the latest increase comes at a time when workers are already struggling to cover basic living costs.

According to figures from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD), transport and electricity already account for 65.8% of a minimum wage before workers spend money on food.

MISA said government had previously demonstrated that fuel price relief was possible. In April, following pressure from organised labour through NEDLAC, Treasury reduced the General Fuel Levy by R3 a litre and temporarily reduced the diesel levy to zero.

That relief has since lapsed, leaving motorists exposed to the full General Fuel Levy of R4.10 a litre on petrol and R3.93 on diesel.

“Government has already proven that fuel levy relief is possible, and the conditions that justified it in April are worse today,” said Martlé Keyter, Chief Executive Officer: Operations at MISA.

“Workers cannot pay R30 a litre to get to work while the state takes more than R4 of every litre. We are asking government to do again what it has already shown it can do.”

MISA is calling for a temporary reduction of at least R3 a litre on the General Fuel Levy for both petrol and diesel while oil prices remain at current levels.

The association is also calling for targeted relief for households dependent on paraffin, saying these households were excluded from the relief measures introduced in April.

MISA further wants urgent engagement at NEDLAC to review the levies and margins included in the price of every litre of fuel.

The association said workers were being squeezed by rising fuel, electricity and food costs, warning that further increases could push already struggling households deeper into financial hardship.