Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement | Oil shock, weak growth put South Africa’s finances under pressure
Stronger tax collections have given Treasury some breathing room, but higher oil prices, weaker economic growth and rising spending pressures threaten to erode the gains.
South Africa's finances are facing pressure from an oil shock, weak growth, and rising spending needs ahead of the October mini-budget, according to analysts. Despite better-than-expected tax collections, the country's economy is struggling and may not be able to sustain the current revenue gains. The Middle East oil price surge has increased costs for transport, production, and households, while tighter monetary policy adds to the economic strain.
The IMF forecasts oil prices to average $96 a barrel in 2026, up 41% from 2025, and global growth to slow to 3.1% this year from 3.5% in 2025. South Africa's GDP contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026, marking six straight quarters of decline, and annual growth slowed to 0.9% from 1.9% in the first quarter. The Reserve Bank raised interest rates in September, further increasing borrowing costs.
While the August fiscal deficit was the smallest in eight years, personal income and VAT receipts have benefited from lower refunds and slower payments, respectively. However, spending pressures are mounting in services, and the fuel levy has seen a 15% drop year-on-year due to relief measures and weaker demand. The government is expected to lower growth forecasts, acknowledge higher inflation risks, and adopt a more cautious fiscal outlook.
Analysts suggest that any temporary solutions to cushion households and businesses against higher costs should be temporary, targeted, and fully funded.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
