THE DA announced on Tuesday that it was working on every available avenue to stop fuel price hikes in June – and slash the taxes on fuel.
The party appealed to South Africans to co-sign a letter against the upcoming fuel price hikes.
According to the party, the letter will be directed to both the Ministers of Finance Enoch Godongwana, and Energy and Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe.
June could see one of the biggest fuel price increases to date if no further interventions are announced by the government.
According to the Automobile Association, mid-month unaudited data is pointing towards petrol price increases of between R1.93 and R1.97 a litre while diesel is looking poised to rise by between R1.60 and R1.62, and illuminated paraffin by R2.14.
“With the fuel price set to increase with between R3.50 and R4 per litre in June, the price will soar to the highest it’s ever been, breaking the backs of all South Africans. The DA implores Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to scrap the 33% tax levy on fuel in order to keep the price within reason,” said the DA’s Shadow Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Kevin Mileham.
“The exorbitant 33% tax on fuel rests squarely in the hands of the ANC government.”
The official opposition party said South Africans simply cannot afford the fuel price increase.
Rising fuel prices mean that all other costs of living will dramatically increase as well – food, transport and other necessities, said Mileham.
“Our economy is still in tatters and there seems little hope and indication that government is trying to right the ship,” Mileham said.
“The unemployment lines keep growing, while households become poorer with each passing day.”
“The DA urges every South African who has felt the pinch of recent increases and cannot afford to pay anymore to please co-sign our letter.”
Earlier this year, Godongwana announced various permanent adjustments to the fuel price calculation that would take effect from June, including a cap on the price of 93 Unleaded petrol.
However, it remains to be seen whether this will provide any significant buffer against rising international oil prices and a weak rand.
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