AfriForum Launches Its Own Fuel Levy Investigation As Petrol Rises Above R30 per Litre

• AfriForum instructed its research department on 6 October to conduct a comprehensive audit of South Africa's fuel price levies
• The civil rights organisation wrote to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in September requesting an independent audit, but received no response
• The audit comes as petrol prices rose by about R3 per litre from 7 October, pushing inland prices above R30 per litre

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG — AfriForum has launched its own investigation into the composition of South Africa's fuel prices after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana failed to act on the civil rights organisation's earlier request for an independent government audit.

Kallie Kriel, Chief Executive Officer of AfriForum, announced on Tuesday, 6 October, that the organisation's research department had been formally instructed to examine the country's fuel levy structure in detail.

Read also

South African motorists might get some relief as government considers scrapping major fuel levy

What the AfriForum audit will cover

The investigation will scrutinise the general fuel levy, the carbon fuel levy, and the Road Accident Fund levy, as well as the slate levy mechanism currently in use.

Specifically, auditors will assess how each levy is calculated and applied, whether the funds collected are being used efficiently and transparently, and what economic impact the cumulative levies are having on consumers, transport operators, the agricultural sector, and small businesses. The audit will also explore potential reform options aimed at providing lasting cost relief.

AfriForum first raised the matter with Godongwana in June 2026, urging that a temporary reduction to the general fuel levy be made permanent or at least extended. The organisation warned at the time that a short-term cut would only delay financial pressure rather than eliminate it. When the minister's office showed no intention of conducting an audit following a formal September request, AfriForum resolved to carry out the review itself.

Read also

October fuel price hikes: How R3.18 increase could push up living costs and spark frustration

Fuel prices hit record highs in October

The announcement coincides with a sharp adjustment to pump prices. From midnight on 7 October 2026, petrol and diesel prices increased by approximately R3 per litre, pushing inland petrol prices beyond R30 per litre. The adjustment includes an 87.66 cents per litre slate levy designed to recover R10.45 billion in industry under-recoveries, alongside the effects of elevated global oil prices and rand weakness.

Ernst van Zyl, Head of Public Relations at AfriForum, criticised the government's handling of the crisis:

"As a civil society watchdog, AfriForum cannot stand idly by as the country's people are financially crippled at the fuel pump. The government has the power to intervene and does nothing. Someone must expose the root cause of the cost-of-living crisis and push for desperately needed reforms. AfriForum is willing to take on this necessary fight."

The organisation said it would keep members and the public updated on the audit's progress and would publish its findings upon completion.

Read also

Home Affairs to accept asylum applications after ConCourt ruling, South African debate decision

COSATU calls for fuel levy relief

Briefly News reported that COSATU renewed calls for the government to temporarily suspend a portion of the fuel levy.

COSATU made the call following major price increases on 2 September 2026, saying the latest fuel price increases were unsustainable.

Preliminary data from the Central Energy Fund suggests further fuel price pressure could arrive in October 2026.

Source: Briefly News