COSATU Calls for Fuel Levy Relief After September 2026 Petrol and Diesel Hikes

• COSATU renewed its call for the government to temporarily suspend a portion of the fuel levy following major price increases on 2 September 2026
• Low-wage workers spend up to 40% of their monthly income on commuting, making the latest fuel price increases unsustainable, the union federation warned
• Preliminary data from the Central Energy Fund suggests further fuel price pressure could arrive in October 2026

SOUTH AFRICA — The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has urged the South African government to reinstate temporary fuel levy relief, following significant fuel price increases that took effect on 2 September 2026.

COSATU spokesperson Zanele Sabela said a partial suspension of the fuel levy, similar to an arrangement implemented earlier in the year, was essential to shield workers and the wider economy from mounting financial pressure.

Workers bear the brunt of rising fuel costs

The federation pointed out that low-wage workers already allocate as much as 40% of their monthly earnings to transport costs alone. With fuel prices climbing further, COSATU argued that the situation had become untenable for millions of South Africans who depend on public and private transport to reach their workplaces.

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Beyond commuting, COSATU warned of a cascading effect across the broader economy. Higher fuel prices, the federation noted, push up costs for food, goods, and general transport services, deepening an already severe cost-of-living crisis.

September fuel price increases

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources implemented the following adjustments from 2 September 2026, citing rising international crude oil prices and supply chain constraints:

Petrol (93 and 95 ULP/LRP) increased by R1.29 to R1.34 per litre. Diesel (0.05% sulphur) increased by R2.93 per litre. Diesel (0.005% sulphur) increased by R3.14 per litre, and illuminating paraffin (wholesale) increased by R2.13 per litre

Industry bodies add to pressure on government

COSATU is not alone in its concerns. The Public Servants Association (PSA) and the Road Freight Association (RFA) have both cautioned that the sharp rise in diesel prices translates directly into higher operational costs for businesses, with consumers ultimately absorbing those increases through elevated shelf prices.

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Looking ahead, preliminary data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) points to continued under-recoveries in the fuel pricing system. Persistent global oil price volatility could mean further upward pressure on fuel prices when October 2026 adjustments are announced.

More on SA's cost-of-living crisis

• Briefly News recently reported on which South African province has the most expensive grocery basket, and the numbers surprised many shoppers.
• A content creator's reaction to a simple phone charger being sold on a lengthy instalment plan struck a nerve with cash-strapped South Africans.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa's latest comments on tackling South Africa's rising electricity costs now that load shedding has ended have Mzansi talking.

Source: Briefly News