31/03/2026
UASA Media Release: 31 March 2026
Fuel plus electricity hikes for direct Eskom customers will put workers under strain, despite fuel levy relief
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
As South Africans fill up ahead of the largest recorded fuel hike, particularly for diesel, UASA expresses deep concern about the ongoing fuel crisis. Current relief measures are only temporary, and this marks the start of a significant increase in the cost of living.
The fuel increase, combined with the NERSA-approved 8.76% electricity tariff hike for Eskom direct customers’ effective tomorrow, is a significant setback for South Africans already under financial strain.
Despite a R3/L relief on the general fuel levy announced by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, petrol prices will rise by R3.06/L and diesel by up to R7.51/L. LPGas will also increase by R1.08/kg, highlighting the severity of the current cost-of-living crisis.
The fuel levy reduction will lower the petrol levy to R1.10/L and the diesel levy to R0.93/L; however, the Road Accident Fund levy and the Carbon Fuel levy remain unchanged.
While we welcome the government’s temporary fuel price relief, we are concerned about households that rely on paraffin, which faces a substantial price increase of R15.60/L.
UASA reminds the government that many households, particularly those with low incomes, depend on paraffin for cooking, heating, and other needs. These households also require relief measures to address the rising cost of living.
These challenges require sustainable solutions and robust plans to support households and key economic sectors. The diesel price increases of R7.37/L for 0.05% sulphur and R7.51/L for 0.005% sulphur will significantly impact farmers, logistics companies, public transport, and motorists, who may be forced to raise prices to offset these costs.
Many companies are struggling to afford even basic salary increases, leaving workers and other consumers most affected.
If the US-Iran conflict continues, interest rates may rise, increasing the likelihood of a higher repo rate and pushing the Consumer Price Index above the South African Reserve Bank’s 3% target. This would further impact the economic outlook.
While we hope these global challenges will soon subside, UASA urges the government to remain mindful of the difficult circumstances facing our people and to continue engaging in long-term relief plans.
For those travelling over the Easter holiday, UASA encourages you to fill up before departing. We remind motorists to drive safely and to consider the impact of fuel price increases on their budgets and children’s back-to-school needs after the break.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.
