MK Party Criticises GNU Over Sharp Fuel Price Increases

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has criticised the government of national unity (GNU) following a sharp increase in fuel prices, warning that higher transport costs could add further pressure to already stretched household budgets.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced that 93-octane petrol would increase by R3.12 a litre, while 95-octane petrol would rise by R3.33 a litre. Following the adjustment, 93 unleaded petrol will cost R29.88 a litre, while 95 unleaded petrol will rise to R30.25 a litre.

The MK party said the increases would place additional pressure on working-class and poorer South Africans, particularly households in township and rural communities.

MK party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said households were facing pressure from several directions, including borrowing costs, transport expenses and food prices.

“South Africans are being crushed by higher borrowing costs, higher transport costs, and rising food prices, while government stands by and does nothing. Ordinary people are expected to keep paying for a government that refuses to protect them,” said Mahlangu.

The party's comments are political criticism of the government's response to rising fuel costs and do not establish that the government has taken no measures in response to the pressures facing consumers.

MK Party Warns Of Wider Cost Pressures

The MK party argued that the impact of higher fuel prices would extend beyond motorists because fuel is a significant input into the transportation and distribution of goods.

It warned that higher transport and freight costs could contribute to increased prices for food, school necessities and other household goods.

The party also criticised the government's approach to South Africa's energy security, arguing that authorities had failed to take sufficient steps to protect domestic refining capacity and reduce the country's exposure to international fuel-market shocks.

“A caring government would have anticipated this crisis long ago. It would have protected national refining capacity, secured the country’s energy future, and ensured that international shocks did not land directly in the pockets of ordinary citizens,” Mahlangu said.

These statements represent the MK party's assessment of government policy and its handling of the country's fuel supply and refining capacity.

Party Calls For Fuel Tax Relief

The MK party also called attention to the government's decision not to reinstate temporary fuel-tax relief measures that had previously reduced the General Fuel Levy.

It argued that similar intervention could have reduced the immediate impact of the latest price increases on consumers.

The party said the higher petrol and diesel prices would have consequences across the economy, including for households already struggling with rising living expenses.

“This crisis starts at the petrol pump, but it does not end there. Every taxi fare, every loaf of bread and every household budget will feel the impact. The people who suffer most are the workers, pensioners, and unemployed who can least afford another increase,” Mahlangu said.

MK Party Accuses GNU Of Prioritising Capital

The MK party also used the fuel-price increase to criticise the broader direction of the GNU, accusing it of placing the interests of businesses and financial markets ahead of ordinary South Africans.

“The government of national unity serves capital at every opportunity while ordinary South Africans are told to absorb the pain. These are policy choices, and they reveal exactly whose interests are being protected and whose are being ignored.”

The MK party has called for immediate measures to provide relief to households, strengthen energy security and limit the effect of rising living costs on consumers.

The claims and criticisms outlined by the party were not accompanied by a response from the government in the supplied material.