AA criticises fuel levy increase, saying S Africans already strained

The Automobile Association (AA) has strongly criticised government’s decision to increase the General Fuel Levy (GFL).

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a 16-cents GFL increase per litre increase for petrol and 15-cents per litre for diesel on Wednesday when he tabled the 2025 budget.

The fuel levy hike, which is set to take effect next month comes after a three-year freeze.

The AA has warned that it will exacerbate the cost of living for South Africans.

Spokesperson, Eleanor Mavimbela, “We do think it could not have come at a worse time because consumers are currently having to battle high food prices, high electricity tariffs, high unemployment and the likes. And fuel is an input cost across all economic sectors. So, when fuel goes up it means transportation costs go up it means operational costs go up, meaning that it drives up inflation. So, consumers across the board, not just motorists are going to suffer because of the increase in the GFL.”