Cape Town – The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has called on government to urgently introduce a temporary reduction in fuel levies to cushion workers from sharply rising fuel prices set to take effect on 1 April.
Petrol is expected to increase by more than R5 per litre, while diesel could rise by over R10 per litre, driven by global oil shocks linked to geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
MISA says the increases, combined with rising electricity costs, including Eskom’s 8.76% tariff hike, will place severe financial pressure on workers already struggling with the high cost of living.
“South African workers already spend more than 50% of their salaries on transport and electricity. With electricity tariffs set to rise on the 1st of April, households face a double burden that will push many deeper into financial distress,” MISA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said, as quoted by The Citizen.
Manager of MISA’s Media and Communication Department, Sonja Carstens, added that government must act swiftly to protect citizens from worsening economic hardship, pointing to Namibia’s temporary 50% fuel levy reduction as an example South Africa should follow.
“Misa is highlighting Namibia’s example where its government has temporarily reduced fuel levies by 50% until June to shield consumers from higher pump prices. South Africa must follow suit to protect its citizens,” said Carstens, according to SABC News.
The association has warned that without intervention, the rising cost burden could deepen financial distress for households and threaten jobs in the motor retail sector.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
