South Africans face one of the biggest fuel price hikes in recent years, with petrol and diesel prices rising significantly due to global oil price surges. From May 6, 2026, the petrol price will increase by R3.27 per litre, while diesel will rise by R6.19 per litre.
The price of 95 Unleaded petrol will reach R25.80 at the coast and R26.33 inland. Meanwhile, the price of 93 Unleaded petrol will be around R26.52. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel will rise to R31.54 at the coast and R32.30 in Gauteng.
The retail margin will add an additional R2.50 to R3 to the diesel price depending on the outlet. This increase is attributed to rising international product prices and a weaker rand, which has affected South African motorists significantly.
According to Robert Maake, the Minister of Finance, “Due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which continues to affect fuel prices globally, the Minister of Finance in consultation with the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced a further temporary reduction in the general fuel levy of 3.00c/l to be implemented in the price structures of petrol and R3.93c/l for diesel from the 6th of May 2026 to the 2nd June 2026.”
At the end of March 2026, the cumulative slate reflected a negative balance of R14.17 billion. This situation indicates ongoing challenges for transport costs and inflation across South Africa.
The ongoing war on Iran by the United States has driven up local fuel prices sharply. Observers expect that these changes will have lasting effects on consumer behavior and economic conditions in South Africa.
