AA Urges Mboweni Not to Increase Fuel Levies Ahead of Budget Speech
- The Automobile Association has urged Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni not to increase fuel tax
- Mboweni is expected to deliver the National Budget Speech on Wednesday, 24 February
- The AA released a statement on their website making note of those who have lost jobs and other low-income earners
PAY ATTENTION: Join Briefly News' Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
The Automobile Association (AA) has urged Finance Minister Tito Mboweni to not increase fuel levies during the 2021 Budget Speech. The Association says it is aware of the relief needed to ease the country's burden.
The AA believes that any adjustment to fuel levies will add another layer of financial strain on consumers who are already facing heavy financial demands due to the global pandemic. The Association added that any tax increases must be viewed against current government expenditure.
The AA noted that there are many South Africans who have either lost their jobs or had their pay reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Source: Getty Images
In the statement shared on the AA's website, it reminded the Minister of job scarcity and low-income earners. The AA stated that people are suffering great financial strain and are reliant on safe, affordable transportation in order to maintain or find jobs.
They added that additional financial pressure put onto South Africans by a possible fuel levy increase will have a direct impact on employment and the greater economy of the country.
The AA shared a post to Twitter where it tagged the Finance Minister, they asked for the budget tightrope' to not impact the less fortunate:
In similar news, Briefly.co.za earlier reported on the 5% toll tariff increase announced by Sanral. The toll tariff increases would be in effect from 1 March. The tariff will increase by 5% in line with the consumer price index (CPI) obtained by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
The tariff hike was gazetted on 11 February, according to a statement by Sanral, and was approved by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula. Sanral confirmed that discounts offered to qualifying and frequent users at specific toll plazas would still apply.
Citizens will be able to apply for discounts at various toll plaza offices across the country. Staying on the topic of tariffs, the High Court ruled that Eskom may recover R10 billion from consumers, allowing the power utility to increase electricity tariffs by 16%. The order allows the state-owned entity to recover costs incurred for the production of power, Eskom explained in a statement.
It allows for tariffs to be hiked from the beginning of April.
Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!
Source: Briefly News
