South Africa is facing mounting demands from labor unions and business organizations to provide about $600 million in fuel relief after the Iran war pushed petrol prices to record levels. The price shock pushed fuel prices to almost $2 per liter. Cosatu, the country’s largest labor federation, called the situation a cost-of-living crisis, noting that workers spend nearly a third of their wages on transport. The demands add pressure on Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, who is due to present a three-year fiscal plan later this month, and could undercut the government’s reputation for budget discipline. Meanwhile, the central bank has raised its main interest rate twice this year. In its latest monetary policy review, the bank said it has adopted a “firefighting” stance to prevent energy costs from feeding broader inflation and adding a secondary squeeze on households and businesses.