AUTOFORUM

MISA demands urgent fuel levy relief as sharpest fuel increase yet looms

Mar 31, 2026 MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, Martle Keyter, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Temporary fuel levy relief

MISA demands urgent fuel levy relief as sharpest fuel increase yet looms

MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, is calling on the South African government to urgently implement a temporary reduction in fuel levies to protect workers and their families from the devastating impact of rising fuel prices. The ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran has triggered global oil price shocks, leaving South Africans facing its sharpest petrol and diesel increases yet from 1 April.

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged at the ANC provincial conference in Limpopo that government is exploring ways to soften the blow. MISA insists that decisive action is needed now, as workers cannot afford further delays. South African workers already spend more than 50% of their salaries on transport and electricity. With electricity tariffs set to rise on 1 April, households face a double burden that will push many deeper into financial distress. This comes amidst Eskom’s 8.76% increase for the 2026/27 financial year to be implemented from 1 April 2026. Municipal customers will see increases averaging 9.01% from 1 July 2026.

“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 Martle Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations. MISA points to Namibia’s example, where 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.

The fuel price surge also threatens jobs in the retail motor industry who bear the brunt every time households are under increased pressure. “Protecting workers must be the priority in any discussion about fuel pricing. If dealerships and workshops cannot absorb these costs, jobs will be lost and communities will suffer,” Keyter added.

MISA calls on government to act decisively and place workers at the center of its response. Temporary fuel levy relief is an economic necessity that benefits society and industry and taking action, ensures we do not deepen the socio-economic challenges facing the majority of people.

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