MISA is grateful that Government listened to its plea

MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, is grateful that Government listened to the Union’s plea and reduced the fuel levy with R3 per litre to soften the impact of the sharpest fuel price hike in history due to the global oil price surge.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a R3 per litre relief in the general fuel price levy only until the next fuel price announcement in May.

This means that petrol for all grades increases by R3.06 per litre from midnight. Diesel will increase by up to R7.51 per litre, hitting the agriculture, transport companies and motorist the hardest.

Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, warned Government yesterday that urgent intervention was needed.

“Workers are being crushed between the rising cost of fuel and electricity. Families are forced to choose between commuting to work, putting food on the table, or keeping the lights on. This is not sustainable,” said Keyter

MISA pointed Government to Namibia’s example, where its government has temporarily reduced fuel levies by 50% until June to shield consumers from higher pump prices. South Africa must follow suit to protect its citizens.

Henry van der Merwe, Chairperson of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA), says while motorists may experience temporary pressure at the pumps, there is no need for alarm.

“We are aware of increasing reports of queues and some sites running low on fuel, particularly diesel, in the lead-up to the anticipated price adjustment. It is important to stress that this is not due to a shortage of product in the country, but rather a short-term strain on distribution caused by a surge in demand as consumers rush to fill up ahead of the increase.

“From a fuel retail perspective, our members are working around the clock to manage this heightened demand and ensure continuity of supply. SAPRA is in ongoing, daily engagement with the relevant government departments and industry stakeholders, and we can confirm that there is sufficient product in the system.

“We also emphasise that SAPRA service stations are not withholding fuel. Deliveries are continuing, and any temporary outages at site level are being addressed as quickly as possible. The system is expected to stabilise once demand normalises in the days following the price adjustment,” he says.

Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.

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