The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has "vehemently rejected" the government's temporary, reactive measures in response to rising fuel costs, demanding an urgent Parliamentary sitting to address the escalating cost of living.

Following Minister Gwede Mantashe’s announcement of drastic fuel hikes, with petrol rising by R3.27/l and diesel by R6.19/l effective Wednesday, the party slammed the current fiscal framework as lacking credibility.

The EFF argued that the surge, driven by global volatility and a weak, "incoherent national strategy”, highlights a failure to secure South Africa’s strategic fuel reserves.

Citing the absence of concrete structural interventions from the National Treasury, the party termed the government’s approach as "disconnected from the lived realities of its people".

The EFF announced it will write to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, demanding that President Cyril Ramaphosa and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana account to Parliament.

The EFF believes that failure to act is a political choice that prioritises "fiscal arithmetic over human survival".

"... this increase represents a direct attack on the most vulnerable, who are forced to absorb these shocks without any form of protection or organised recourse," it said. 

The party highlighted that the impact of these increases would be immediate and severe across all sections of society. 

"Transport costs will rise sharply, increasing the cost of food and all basic goods. Households already struggling with debt, high fuel costs and rising living expenses will be pushed further into distress," it warned.