ANC Urges National Treasury to Cut Fuel Levies

The African National Congress study group on minerals and petroleum resources has called on the National Treasury to temporarily reduce fuel levies and taxes. The request specifically targets the general fuel levy and the Road Accident Fund levy following price increases of R3 or more per litre that took effect on Wednesday.

These price hikes were driven by crude oil price fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and domestic slate levy adjustments. Hlengiwe Hadebe, the ANC parliamentary caucus media liaison officer, described the situation as a "cost-of-living crisis," noting that the increases disproportionately affect poor households relying on paraffin and raise costs for food and commuters.

While seeking immediate relief through tax reductions, the ANC stated that long-term stability depends on reducing South Africa's reliance on imported refined fuel. The party advocated for rebuilding domestic refining capacity through the South African National Petroleum Company to insulate the economy from global price volatility.