MK party blasts GNU as fuel price hike pushes petrol above R30/litre
Petrol price have hit a new record in South Africa.
The MK party has harshly criticized the government of national unity (GNU) in response to a significant petrol price hike. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announced on Monday that the price of 93-octane petrol will rise by R3.12 per litre and 95-octane petrol by R3.33 per litre, with the latter reaching R30.25 per litre.
MK party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu stated that these increases come at a particularly difficult time for many South Africans, who are already struggling due to rising interest rates. He emphasized that poor South Africans, especially those in townships and rural areas, are being affected from all sides. The party argued that the consequences of the fuel hikes go beyond motorists, warning that the increased costs will lead to higher prices for food, school necessities, and other household goods.
Mahlangu criticized the government for failing to take proactive measures to protect consumers from global energy shocks and for neglecting South Africa's refining capacity. He also lambasted the government for not reinstating temporary fuel tax relief measures that could have alleviated the burden on consumers. The MK party accused the GNU of prioritizing business and financial markets over ordinary citizens.
They called for immediate relief measures, increased energy security, and policies to shield households from rising living costs.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
