South African motorists are feeling the April heat after the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) revealed that the country might be faced with a petrol price increase of more than R2.
But could a temporary ‘tax holiday’ or exemption on the country’s fuel products be the relief motorists need? This was recommended by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy in a meeting on Tuesday, where the committee said that it should be considered as an immediate response to ease the pressure on South Africans facing fuel price hikes.
Just last week, Finance minister Enoch Godongwana expressed that the government is in “sensitive discussions” regarding various long-term options to help alleviate fuel prices and soften the blow in the coming months.
“Work is being done in this regard. What is making the matter more urgent is the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict which is moving the price of oil faster than we have thought.
“The work we are doing is intended to address the immediate challenge we are facing, and a decision will be announced fairly soon,” Godongwana said.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc Gallery