Mbalula: Govt wanted to add e-tolls to fuel levy
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says cabinet had approved a decision to add the costs of the controversial e-toll system to the fuel levy.
Mbalula told the media on Thursday that government considered increasing the fuel levy to cover the cost of e-tolls.
The fate of the controversial user-pay system has been in the balance for several years.
Cabinet is probing several mechanisms to pay for the use of Gauteng’s highways after the issuing of summonses had been halted.
“There was a decision that was taken by cabinet on the e-tolls which was taking us the direction of the fuel levy.
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“The fuel levy story has become very messy over time and is no longer an option we can consider,” said Mbalula.
Cabinet abandoned the plan following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which led to record fuel prices.
“There is no government which will raise fuel prices to its citizens deliberately."
Mbalula indicated that clarity will be given in October before or at the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS).