Ramaphosa mulls moves to ease SA’s fuel woes: Here’s what other countries have done
· The South African
President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is considering additional measures to ease the burden of rising fuel prices.
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Speaking on the sidelines of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Housing Assistance Reparations launch on Tuesday, Ramaphosa pointed to the temporary R3 reduction in the general fuel levy, announced by the National Treasury and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), as part of efforts to cushion consumers.
This comes as social media users believe that current interventions do not go far enough for households already under financial strain.
WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Ramaphosa said the government was exploring further interventions as global pressures continue to drive up costs.
“The ongoing war in the Middle East is having a devastating effect on economies across the world. The rise in the price of oil and petrol is affecting us. We are now seeing increases in food prices. That is why we made the intervention to cushion South Africans,” he said.
He also called for an immediate ceasefire.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a deal, saying on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday that a “whole civilisation will die tonight” if an agreement is not reached.
GLOBAL RESPONSES TO FUEL PRESSURES
Governments across the world have introduced measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and limiting the impact of rising prices.
In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has urged citizens to work from home and reduce reliance on private vehicles, encouraging the use of public transport, carpooling and more responsible energy consumption.
Over in Sri Lanka, authorities introduced public sector holidays on Wednesdays to curb fuel use, although reports suggest the policy may be reconsidered.
Indonesia has implemented weekly work-from-home measures and placed limits on fuel sales as part of efforts to manage demand.