There is dismay at government’s failure to come up with medium to long term proposals to cushion South Africans from the skyrocketing fuel prices.

Labour federation Cosatu indicates that the absence of sustainable measures will leave South Africa hostage to international crises.

It comes as government extended the R1.50 a litre cut in the fuel price. But Cosatu points that it’s not enough to shield commuters as the petrol still went up by R2,33 and R2,43 a litre while illuminating paraffin rose by R1,56 a litre.

Cosatu has reiterated that bold steps need to be taken by government and business. These include reviewing the fuel price regime as half of it goes taxes, deregulate the fuel price regime to enable competition, improve the public transport system especially the rail network and re-table the Road Accident Fund and Road Accident Benefits Scheme Bills.