Cabinet team tasked with ensuring stable fuel supply
A cabinet task team is working to secure fuel supply, while government warns the R3 levy cut is temporary and may not last beyond June. No national shortage has been confirmed
Government has set up a cabinet team to stabilise fuel supply as prices rise.
Ministers say the levy cut is short-term and supply remains stable despite local disruptions.
A team of cabinet ministers has been set up to find measures to ensure sufficient fuel supply.
This was confirmed by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
The ministers were speaking on the sidelines of the Sixth South African Investment Conference in Sandton on Tuesday night.
"Tau confirmed that the committee, which also includes Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantasha and Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has already met and is expected to report to cabinet today on measures being implemented. At the same time Godongwana says the R3 reduction in the general fuel levy cannot be sustained beyond June.
It is not going to be an easy test. It's a challenge. South Africans must understand it is not of our own choosing.
At the same time, government has assured the public that there is sufficient fuel supply to meet current and projected demand.
No national fuel shortage
Authorities say shortages reported in some areas are due to panic buying and logistical challenges, and not a national supply crisis.
Tau says efforts are underway to source alternative oil supplies as global uncertainty intensifies.
READ: April fuel prices: Petrol climbing by R3,06/litre, diesel to jump by over R7/litre
"It inevitably has an impact on trade across the globe, and South Africa will not be spared from this impact. And part of the reality is that we rely to a large extent on the supply of, not crude oil, particularly because crude oil we gain from the African continent... but processed oil and energy sources are a major issue that we're engaging in," the minister says.
Political parties have reacted to this month's fuel price increases.
Both grades of petrol have risen by more than R3 per litre, while diesel prices have increased by more than R7 a litre.
Godongwana also announced a temporary R3 per litre reduction in the general fuel levy, effective from Wednesday until 5 May.
Build One South Africa has welcomed the cut, saying the move will help ease rising transport costs for many South Africans.
The DA’s Mark Burke says the party wants more details on how the fuel levy relief will be funded.
"If we can't afford more debt, nor can we afford more taxes. The only option is to go after government inefficiency and patronage pots, such as CETAs and the compensation fund. The DA is a part of government, but we will continue to dig in and fight loudly when the ANC parts of government are callous enough to do economic harm.”
R3 levy cut offers relief but long-term pressure remains
RISE Mzansi says the cut is a temporary reprieve and not a permanent solution.
The party's Makashule Gana has urged government to shield the country from future shocks.
" We need to plan how we use our fuel, how we use everything in our household, very carefully. Only take necessary trips. Review your household budget. Also consider alternative transport modes."
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