GOVERNMENT HAS signalled its commitment to moving people and freight off the road and onto rail through new fuel levies announced by finance minister Trevor Manuel in his budget speech.
Manuel announced a 2,4 cents a litre increase in the general fuel levy on leaded and unleaded petrol, and a 1,9 cents a litre increase on diesel.
These represented increases of 2,5% - below the anticipated inflation rate - and would be implemented with the normal price adjustments on 4 April, he said.
However, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy on petrol will be increased by two cents a litre on 4 April, to meet the fund's ongoing liabilities.
The RAF levy on diesel would be brought in line with that of petrol at 16,5 cents a litre on the same day, ending the relief enjoyed by transport operators.
These measures were expected to boost the fund by R437-million.
Manuel has, at the same time, reduced operating costs for Spoornet and the farming, forestry and mining sectors.
He announced concessions to these sectors of 25,6 cents a litre of the general fuel levy on qualifying consumers, and the full 16,5 cents a litre RAF levy on qualifying consumers.
Manuel further announced that offshore mining and the cash-strapped National Sea Rescue Institute would receive 100 percent concessions on both the general fuel levy and the RAF levy, while Spoornet would receive a 100% concession on the RAF levy.
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