Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Don’t talk to us about the latest petrol price hikes: Another month of R20-per-litre is an absolute failure on behalf of the government, and there’s no guarantee that these heinous costs will stop rising any time soon.
Petrol price increase incenses SA
Mzansi is livid with what we’re having to fork out for fuel – so the AA’s new campaign to ensure the petrol price is lowered comes at just the right time. The motoring experts have pulled no punches with their scathing critiques, either.
In a statement issued on Monday, the AA hit out at the forecast petrol price increase for February, which stands at 53 cents per litre. This, the group stresses, will hit poorer citizens harder than anyone else.
#FuelPriceHike #Petrol will rise by 53 c/l, #diesel up by 80 c/l, and illuminating paraffin by a whopping R1.01 c/l. The February increases will push #FuelPrices in SA close to the record highs experienced in December 2021. #ReviewTheFuel #JoinTheMovement https://t.co/Yst57ZuhBv
— AA South Africa (@AASouthAfrica) January 31, 2022
A plan to get fuel costs lowered? AA take the lead
That’s why they are championing the #ReviewTheFuel campaign. It’s aim is to get the government to look inwards at how the fuel price is set, and if possible, reduce some of the tax levies that have been slapped on our oil imports. According to the AA, around 25 000 people have given their support to the cause.
“While the decrease in fuel prices for January was naturally welcomed, we remain convinced that a review of the fuel price in South Africa is necessary. The increases for February are significant and push our country’s fuel prices near record territory again and will, undoubtedly, have a knock-on impact on other consumer products and services.”
“Our petition to #ReviewTheFuel is gaining momentum. Close on 25 000 people have already signed, urging government to initiate a review of all the components of the fuel price as well as conduct an audit of all existing elements to determine if they are still applicable and correct.”
AA statement
‘Huge pressure’ on FinMin to address petrol price concerns
Thanks to swelling civilian support for their petition, the AA can now put pressure of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the weeks ahead. The 2022 Budget Speech takes place later this month, and the senior politician faces a tide of public anger over the frightening fuel figures. Hopefully, the campaign won’t fall upon deaf ears…
“Our call is for the Minister of Finance to announce such a review in his Budget Speech in Parliament on 23 February as a first step towards mitigating against rising fuel costs effectively for the benefit of all South Africans.”
AA statement
