South African motorists and businesses can get temporary relief on fuel costs from 4 November after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a reduction in the general fuel levy in the mini-budget on Wednesday. The levy on diesel will initially be cut by R3 per litre and that on petrol by R1,50 per litre.
The first phase lasts until 1 December, after which the relief continues at lower amounts until 5 January 2027. The announcement comes amid sharp increases in fuel prices that are putting pressure on households and businesses. According to Government News – SAnews, the diesel levy in the second phase will be cut by R1,50 per litre and the petrol levy by R1 per litre.
The measure is expected to provide approximately R10 billion in support to households and businesses, with the same amount as cost to the state's coffers. The money comes from revenue that was higher than expected in the 2025/26 financial year and which was initially transferred to the Central Energy Fund. Godongwana says the intervention is aimed at easing pressure on living costs without putting the sustainability of the budget at risk.
The fuel levy reduction applies to the fuel levy and does not mean that all other factors affecting the pump price disappear. International oil prices, the exchange rate and other fuel costs can still play a role in what motorists ultimately pay.
Pressure here and here to read more.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
