MOTORISTS in Mzansi are facing another hefty increase in fuel prices.
The price of petrol has increased between R1,08 and R1,14 per litre. The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) is concerned that this eighth consecutive price increase, especially for petrol and diesel, will worsen the cost of living and have a negative impact on the working class.
According to Saftu, the latest increases mean that between October and January 2023, the price of unleaded petrol 93 has increased by R4,12 and unleaded petrol 95 by R4,28, while diesel 50ppm and illuminating paraffin have increased by R1,87 and R3,67, respectively.
"These price increases will affect workers and the unemployed in at least three ways: they will increase fuel costs for vehicle owners, increase transport fares and increase the prices of other goods as well," Saftu said.
Saftu is calling on the government to subsidise fuel prices to provide immediate relief to workers.
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Nevertheless, a permanent solution is needed. It can only be achieved by getting rid of commodification and restructuring the global economy to meet the social needs of the people rather than those of the profiteers.
Tweeps also reacted to the increase, saying they faced a R3 000 increase in bond repayments in 2022 alone, and now fuel and food prices have also increased.
"Double digit average increases per year, the yearly rate increase, tax increases, we are under siege," said one tweep.
Mmusi Maimane tweeted: "Fuel price hikes are killing the economy. This government must reduce fuel levies. The General Fuel Levy (GFL) was R3.96 in May, equivalent to 17% of every litre of petrol sold in South Africa. The RAF levy was R2.18 per litre, which is about 11% on every litre of fuel sold. The Minister of Finance can reduce these levies."
Maimane said that South Africans needed relief.
"The economy needs relief. Fuel costs are driving inflation. It's time to lower the GFL and grow the South African economy. Government needs to curb its wasteful spending. Government officials need to cut their budgets. That's what South Africans have been doing since the pandemic. Meet the people halfway. There are other ways to save money in this economy without punishing the people," Maimane said.
