26 May 2026
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) notes with concern developments that government is unlikely to extend further fuel levy relief as National Treasury moves to rebalance the fiscal framework. FEDUSA understands the difficult fiscal position facing the government and recognises that the temporary fuel levy reduction has carried a significant cost to the fiscus. However, this cannot be viewed only as a bookkeeping exercise. For workers and poor households, the fuel price shock is already being felt in bus fares, taxi fares, food prices and the general cost of getting to work.
South Africans have no meaningful recourse. Workers cannot negotiate with petrol stations, taxi associations, bus operators or retailers when transport and food prices rise. They absorb the pain directly, while wages remain stagnant and household debt deepens. FEDUSA therefore urges government to show greater resolve in cushioning low- and middle-income households from the cumulative impact of fuel increases. Any withdrawal of relief must be accompanied by practical measures to protect commuters, strengthen public transport affordability, prevent unjustified fare increases and accelerate interventions that reduce South Africa’s exposure to volatile global fuel markets.
Government cannot ask workers to carry every shock while offering only explanations about fiscal constraints. Fiscal discipline must be matched by social protection, transport relief and a credible plan to defend household incomes. We urge the government to remember its developmental mandate.
END.