R10 billion fuel relief plan moves closer as Parliament adopts report

South Africans could receive relief from rising fuel costs if Parliament approves a proposed R10 billion intervention, following a key step in the legislative process.

The Standing Committee on Appropriations adopted its report on the Second Special Appropriation Bill on Thursday, 8 October. The proposed funding is intended to help stabilise fuel costs amid price volatility linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

South African motorists and commuters could benefit from a proposed R10 billion fuel relief intervention that has moved forward in Parliament.

The Standing Committee on Appropriations adopted its report on the Second Special Appropriation Bill on Thursday, 8 October, bringing the proposal closer to consideration by the National Assembly.

The Bill proposes withdrawing R10 billion from the National Revenue Fund and transferring the money to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources to help stabilise fuel costs and protect consumers against price fluctuations linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled the Bill on 31 July 2026 before it was referred to the committee on 4 August for consideration.

Committee calls for relief to reach consumers

Committee chairperson Dr Mmusi Maimane said consumers should receive relief as soon as possible, arguing that the available funding should help ease the pressure of rising fuel costs.

‘As Parliament and representatives of the people, we must ensure that fuel prices are reduced so that citizens can enter December with some relief,‘ Maimane said.

The committee also stressed that the money must achieve its intended purpose, with detailed expenditure reports required to demonstrate how the funding is used.

Ministers urged to account for future fuel price shocks

The committee has recommended that the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources work together to ensure that National Treasury and the department report to Parliament on possible future fuel price shocks.

The proposed reporting would also cover the circumstances under which basic fuel price relief and levy measures could be introduced.

The report is expected to be scheduled for debate in the National Assembly.

For now, the committee’s adoption of the report does not mean that motorists will immediately see lower prices at the pumps. Further parliamentary consideration is still required.

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