Excise Taxes for Petroleum Products

The General Fuel levy applies to petroleum products' consumption in South Africa, including petrol, diesel, biodiesel, unmarked aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and unmarked illuminating kerosene (unmarked paraffin). 

These products are subject to the payment of a General fuel levy and road accident fund (RAF) levy. In December 2021, these levies were estimated to weight 30% of petrol price (19% and 11% respectively). 

Rates surged over the 2008-2022 period, fivefolding the RAF levy (R 2.18/L in December 2021) and tripling the general fuel levy (R 3.93/L). 

The general fuel levy generated R80 billion for government in 2019/20, which account for 6% of total tax revenue. These revenues flows into the national budget together with revenue from other taxes. 

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