If you go down to the petrol pumps today, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! And there could well be MORE good news next month! Photo: Gallo Images / OJ Koloti
If you go down to the petrol pumps today, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! And there could well be MORE good news next month! Photo: Gallo Images / OJ Koloti
Thank heavens for that: The ANC left it late on Tuesday, but the government has now confirmed that they WILL intervene to prevent this latest petrol price increase from getting wildly out of hand.
June petrol price increase WILL be reduced by government
Ministers Gwede Mantashe and Enoch Godongwana have both agreed to EXTEND the reduction of the General Fuel Levy by an extra two months. Had it been allowed to expire as planned this evening, South Africans would likely have paid about R4-per-litre MORE on their fuel in June.
Instead, that increment is likely to be nearer the R2.50 mark – and although this is far from ideal, it could have been significantly worse. For the month of June, the General Fuel Levy will again be reduced by R1.50 – as it has been since April.
However, from 7 July, that number comes down to 75 cents. The offer will finally expire on 2 August 2022, and government is expected to pump around R4.5 billion into these adjustments. A statement on the matter has been released:
“The Minister of Finance has today submitted a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, requesting the tabling of a two-month proposal for the extension of the reduction in the general fuel levy.”
“This will take the form of a continuation of the relief of R1.50 per litre for the first month, from 1 June 2022 to 6 July 2022, and then a downward adjustment to the relief for the second month to 75c per litre from 7 July 2022 to 2 August 2022.”
“The temporary relief will be withdrawn from 3 August 2022. The Chair of the National Council of Provinces has also been informed of this proposal. The revenue foregone from the extension of the relief is estimated at R4.5 billion.”
Government statement
Fuel increases WILL happen in June – but the edge has been taken off
Nicholas Nyati is the leader of the DA Youth. He is concerned that, even with state intervention, these rising fuel prices will inflict pain on jobseekers and people using public transport. Journey fares will increase along with petrol costs, making things even more difficult for commuters.
“Fuel price increases have long-lasting effects on the people on the ground, particularly young job seekers who use public transport to seek opportunities. It also puts further pressure on those who have to juggle putting food on the table for their families.”
“Unfortunately, public transport fares increases are permanent, as associations never decrease their prices in line with the current value of the fuel. South Africans are already facing many challenges, and these continued increases will destroy whatever is left of our beautiful country.”
Nicholas Nyati
