UASA Media Release: 31 August 2026
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA is deeply concerned about the sharp increase in the fuel price that South Africans will face on Wednesday, 2 September.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) confirmed that both petrol and diesel drivers will feel the pinch from the fuel price adjustments. Both grades of petrol will increase by R1.34/L while diesel 0.05 (wholesale) will increase by R2.94/L and diesel 0.005% (wholesale) will increase by R3.15/L. Illuminating Paraffin will increase by R2.13/L and LPGas by 69c/kg.
For ordinary South Africans, who are already bending over backwards to make ends meet, this fuel price increase will only add to financial pressures.
Every rand added to the price of fuel eats further into household budgets already stretched to breaking point.
The fuel price adjustment reflects the reason why UASA and its members in the sugar sector took to the picket line in their fight for wage increases and benefits that truly align with inflation.
UASA calls on government to urgently review the mechanisms behind fuel pricing, including the fuel levy and slate levy. We further call on employers across all sectors to recognise that inflation-linked wage growth is not a luxury but a basic necessity for workers to survive rising living costs.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.