Fuel prices in South Africa are expected to rise sharply, with petrol increasing by over R5 per litre and diesel by over R10 per litre, yet Parliament is nearing the end of its term with no sittings scheduled before the price hike on 1 April.
The DA has formally requested the National Assembly to reconvene under provisions for matters of national importance to address the crisis. The party has previously proposed halving fuel levies to provide immediate relief of R3.17 per litre, citing examples of countries like Namibia, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Vietnam, and Brazil that have implemented similar tax relief measures.
While the Finance Minister has the authority to reduce levies without parliamentary approval, new increases were gazetted instead, highlighting inaction despite available funds. The DA emphasizes that relief could be funded from existing state surpluses and improved financial oversight, but political will is lacking.
The party has shared its plan and is open to cooperation with the ANC, stressing that South Africans should not bear higher fuel costs when solutions are available.
