The Automobile Association (AA) has urged Finance minister Tito Mboweni not to increase fuel levies when he delivers his Budget Speech to parliament on 24 February.<\/p>\n
The association said it is ‘acutely aware’ that the fiscal relief needed to ease the country\u2019s financial burden must come from various quarters, including citizens<\/p>\n
This position has been exacerbated by the reduction in tax revenue as a result of the tobacco and alcohol bans, and the reduction in fuel taxes because people are using their vehicles less, it said.<\/p>\n
“However, the AA believes that any adjustments to the fuel levies will add another layer of financial demand on consumers who are already under heavy personal financial strain.”<\/p>\n
A percentage increase \u2013 even one in line with inflation \u2013 may not seem onerous but combined with increases to other goods and services it will add up, the group said.<\/p>\n
“South Africans are not only feeling the pinch right now, but they are feeling the bite, and an increase to the levies will add to their woes.<\/p>\n
“In light of the financial devastation on businesses and individuals caused by Covid-19 we believe levy increases will be counter-productive and harmful.”<\/p>\n
Counting the costs\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The AA said that there are two major taxes included in the fuel price \u2013 the General Fuel and Road Accident Fund levies \u2013 which together comprise between 37% and 42% on every litre of petrol and diesel sold in the country.<\/p>\n The General Fuel Levy (GFL) is currently pegged at R3.77 per litre of petrol and R3.63 per litre of diesel, while the Road Accident Fund levy (RAF) currently stands at R2.07 per litre for all fuel.<\/p>\n Together they add up to R5.84 on every litre of petrol (just more than 37% of the total cost), and R5.70 on every litre of diesel.<\/p>\n Neighbouring countries who buy fuel directly from South Africa do not add these taxes to their fuel pricing, making their fuels cheaper than it is in the country which supplies them.<\/p>\n “It is worth repeating that any increases to the fuel levies go hand-in-hand with increases to public transport fares \u2013 including taxis. Increases to the fuel levies also contribute to increased input costs of manufacturers, suppliers and the agricultural sector which are absorbed through increases passed on to consumers, many of whom cannot afford even slightest changes to their monthly budgets,” said the AA.<\/p>\n The Association adds that any tax increases must be viewed against the backdrop of current government spending, and that citizens are mindful of ongoing and systemic corruption, bailouts, increases to utility charges, and a bloated civil service.<\/p>\n The AA said that all of this is coming at a time when hundreds of thousands of people have either lost their jobs, or had their salaries or wages reduced, by companies facing severe financial strain because of Covid-19.<\/p>\n “(We) would also like to remind the minister that while jobs are scarce, people who are seeking employment \u2013 or who are low-income earners \u2013 are reliant on safe, affordable, and reliable transport in order to find and maintain those jobs.<\/p>\n “Any additional financial pressure on these citizens will invariably have a direct impact on employment, and by extension the greater economy.”<\/p>\n
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