EFF MOVES TO BLOCK FUEL LEVY INCREASE

Fri 30 May 2025:

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has filed an urgent application in the Western Cape High Court to halt Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s implementation of a fuel levy increase, as announced during the 2025 Budget Speech.

The proposed hike, 16 cents per litre for petrol and 15 cents per litre for diesel, is expected to take effect on 4 June 2024.

In a statement posted on X, the EFF expressed concern over the impact on poor and working-class South Africans, especially as the cost-of-living crisis continues to deepen. The party explained that they resorted to legal action after several attempts to engage the Minister were ignored.

“We wrote to the Minister, urging him to consider the impact of this increase on the poor and working-class people of South Africa, especially during a time when the cost-of-living crisis is deepening,” the party stated.

They argue that the fuel levy increase, like the previously rejected VAT hike, is “unlawful and undermines parliamentary oversight” since it was not introduced through a Money Bill.

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“Despite this, the Minister appears determined to force through the fuel levy increase following the defeat of the VAT hike, which was rejected by Parliament and the broader public,” the EFF said.

The party also raised the issue with the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance, warning that: “If Parliament proceeds to adopt the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals that include this illegal fuel levy increase, the entire budget process will be placed in jeopardy.”

They cautioned that approving the increase without proper procedure could lead to the national budget being declared invalid by the courts, even after funds have already been spent, undermining Parliament’s authority and disrupting essential services.

“This matter is urgent not just because of its legal implications but because the fuel levy directly affects the price of transport, food, and other essentials. Any increase will hit the poorest the hardest.”

The EFF reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Constitution and the economic interests of South Africans, urging Parliament to act responsibly and calling on the Minister to “withdraw this reckless decision before more damage is done.”

written by Thaabit Kamaar

This article originally published in Salaamedia click here