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MISA comment - Fuel price reduction brings relief for workers, but what about food prices

Jul 01, 2026 MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, Martlé Keyter, fuel price


MISA comment - Fuel price reduction brings relief for workers, but what about food prices

 

MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, says the reduction in the fuel price must also be seen in the reduction of food prices to bring relief for workers and vulnerable households who have been under immense financial strain due to the surge in fuel prices since the start of the US Iran War. Effective from today the petrol price decreased by nearly R2 per litre, diesel by over R3 per litre and illuminating paraffin by more than R5 per litre.

 

Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says workers will continue to withstand the worst of the rising cost of living until the food supply chain reduce their fees, which is often not the case. The same goes for taxi operators who increased fares according to the fuel price hikes. For millions of South Africans, particularly the poorest households who rely on paraffin for cooking, heating and lighting, this reduction is a lifeline. It offers immediate relief and helps ease the burden of rising living costs. “Retailers and taxi associations have a responsibility to pass these savings on to consumers by lowering food prices. Workers cannot continue to carry the double burden of high transport and food costs. This adjustment must translate into real relief in household budget.”

 

MISA will continue to monitor the impact of fuel price changes on workers and the broader economy. The Union calls on Government, business and civil society to work together to ensure that the benefits of lower fuel prices are felt across all sectors, particularly in food affordability and transport costs. “South Africa is running out of time to achieve our goals set out in Presidency’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 and the National Development Plan 2030. The Strategic plan prioritises reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living. The Development Plan is the blueprint Government adopted in 2012 to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. We are far from achieving this,” says Keyter.

 

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