JOHANNESBURG - The fuel levy has been temporarily reduced, offering short-term relief to South Africans facing steep price hikes at the pumps from midnight.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe have announced the measure.
The move follows surging global oil prices linked to escalating conflict in the Middle East.
From the 1st of April, the general fuel levy will be cut by R3 per litre for one month.
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This will bring the petrol levy to just over R1 per litre, and diesel to below R1. The relief is expected to cost the fiscus about R6 billion in lost revenue.
Officials say the cut aims to ease pressure on consumers, especially as transport and food costs rise.
Government has reassured the public there is no national fuel shortage and urged motorists to avoid panic buying.