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The welcome relief on the pockets of consumers brought along by the lower fuel price has been short-lived after all. 

As the price of diesel will increase by 74c per litre and petrol by 96c per litre, South Africans are in for a bumpy financial road in the months ahead. On top of the fuel price, Road Accident Fund levies as well as general fuel levies will be increased by 80.5c, coming into effect by April this year. The RAF will receive 50c of the fuel levy increase, meaning that it will “earn” R1.54 from every litre fuel sold, representing an increase of 48%.

Reading between the lines, there seems to be the indication that Gauteng consumers will eventually have to pay toll fees under the guise of a levy on our vehicle licenses plus a portion via the gantry system, which is further bad news for consumers – and yet another example of political leaders not being able to deliver on promises.

Add to that the increase in personal income tax as announced by Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene in his Budget speech last week and it is clear that ordinary tax paying citizens and workers are being taxed to death.

The only solution to consumers is be to be aware of the expenses to be faced and to prepare for it as best we can.

Issued bu UASA