By Mapaballo Borotho
- The DA is pushing for an extension of the fuel levy cut to prevent steep fuel price hikes in May.
- Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says the government is considering the issue but warns it cannot afford prolonged relief.
- Rising global oil prices continue to put pressure on South African consumers.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has vowed to press Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to extend the fuel levy cut for at least another month, using both government and parliamentary processes.
The party warns that failure to do so could see petrol prices rise by R4.28 per litre and diesel by R6.41, instead of smaller increases of R1.28 and R3.40.
Godongwana is expected to announce on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, whether the temporary fuel relief introduced in March will be extended.
The government reduced the fuel levy by R3 per litre to ease pressure on consumers. However, the relief comes at a cost of about R6 billion per month and is set to expire on 5 May.
Speaking at the National Assembly last week, Godongwana said he is giving the issue of high fuel prices his full attention.
He cautioned, however, that government does not have the financial capacity to sustain the relief indefinitely.
At most, the support could last around three months in total, but not longer.
The sharp rise in global oil prices, driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has made fuel more expensive for South Africa, which relies entirely on imports.
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