UASA Media Release: 3 June 2025
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
Although the recent increase in the general fuel levy presents a financial setback for consumers, the decrease in fuel, paraffin, and LPGas prices is welcome news for motorists.
According to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), lower fuel prices this year have helped drive inflation down below the target range. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the inflation-based tax increase on the fuel levy for the first time in three years.
The general fuel levy for petrol has risen to R4.01 per litre, while that for diesel has increased to R3.85 per litre, effective from midnight. Despite the fuel levy hike, any decrease in fuel prices, no matter how small, is positive news for consumers who have been struggling with the rising cost of living due to high inflation rates on goods and services.
According to the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the petrol price for June, taking into account the new fuel levy, will drop by 5 cents per litre for both grades of petrol and by 37 cents per litre for both grades of diesel. Additionally, illuminating paraffin will see a decrease of 56 cents per litre, and LPGas 89 cents per litre.
While the tax increase is a setback for motorists, further reductions in fuel prices may help keep inflation under control and alleviate the country’s cost-of-living crisis. The decline in fuel prices has been attributed to a stronger rand against the dollar and lower global oil prices. We hope that this trend of decreasing fuel prices continues throughout the year to provide financial relief for consumers.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.