MISA Leads, government acts, fuel levy relief delivers hard won victory for workers and their families.
21 October 2026
For immediate release
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) welcomes the fuel levy relief announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement and celebrates this intervention as an important victory for workers, their families and the power of organised labour.
The minister announced in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, that from 4 November to 1 December, the general fuel levy will be reduced by R3 per litre for diesel and R1.50 per litre for petrol. Smaller reductions of R1.50 for diesel and R1 for petrol will then apply until 5 January 2027. For MISA, today's announcement represents more than temporary relief at the pumps. It is proof that when workers speak through a strong and independent union, government is compelled to listen.
MISA was the first trade union to publicly demand fuel levy relief as rising fuel prices pushed working households to breaking point. In September, MISA warned that transport and electricity costs were consuming an unsustainable share of workers' incomes, leaving many families unable to meet basic living expenses. When petrol prices exceeded R30 a litre earlier this month, MISA intensified its calls for government to reintroduce meaningful fuel levy relief.
Today's announcement confirms what MISA has consistently argued which is that fuel costs are not merely an economic issue, a worker issue, a household issue and a survival issue for workers.
"Our members told us they were being forced to choose between getting to work and putting food on the table. MISA amplified that message directly to decision-makers and refused to let workers' voices be ignored," says Martlé Keyter, Chief Executive Officer: Operations at MISA.
"This announcement demonstrates the influence of organised labour and the importance of unions that fight relentlessly for their members. While we welcome government's response, we also recognise that many workers remain under severe financial pressure."
MISA notes that lower diesel costs should also help curb transport and logistics expenses throughout the economy, easing pressure on the cost of food and other essential goods. However, MISA believes more must still be done. Petrol users have received only part of the relief MISA called for, households relying on paraffin remain excluded, and the measures are temporary.
MISA therefore calls on government to extend the relief should fuel prices remain high; introduce targeted support for paraffin-dependent households, and engage organised labour through NEDLAC on sustainable long-term measures to reduce the fuel burden facing workers.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager: MISA Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union. For media enquiries, contact Phakamile Hlubi-Majola on 083 367 6417 or email [email protected].
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