Motorists in South Africa will receive short-term relief at the pumps after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced an extension of the temporary fuel levy reduction until early June.
The measure, aimed at easing pressure on consumers, also includes continued relief for diesel users.
However, energy expert Matthew Cruise has warned that the reprieve is limited and that increases are likely in the near future.
“I would have liked to have seen the extension confirmed for longer than just one more month, especially since the Minister indicated that from June the relief will be reduced by half,” Cruise said.
He explained that the current R3 per litre relief on petrol is expected to drop to R1.50, with a similar reduction anticipated for diesel.
Cruise argued that a longer extension would have provided greater support to consumers amid rising living costs.
“A three-month relief period would have been more effective, particularly given the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and the impact of higher transport costs on goods and services,” he said.
The temporary relief comes as households and businesses continue to grapple with increasing fuel prices and broader economic strain.