The South African government is extending fuel levy relief measures amid rising petrol and diesel prices, but significant increases are still expected. South Africans will face a petrol price increase of around R1.85 per litre in May 2026.
The diesel price is expected to increase by around R4.50 during the same period. The General Fuel Levy for petrol will remain at R1.10 per litre, while the diesel tax reprieve will reduce the levy to zero.
This temporary relief aims to cushion consumers from ongoing inflation pressures. The estimated cost of this measure from April to June 2026 is R17.2 billion in foregone tax revenue.
Expected prices:
- The petrol price at the coast is projected to be around R24.38 for 95 Unleaded.
- In Gauteng, the petrol price for 95 Unleaded is expected to reach approximately R25.21.
- The wholesale price of diesel is projected to rise to around R29.82 at the coast.
Officials have not confirmed the continuation of the tax reprieve into May. However, National Treasury indicated that the diesel tax reprieve will reduce the levy to zero from May 6 to June 2, 2026.
The fuel levy relief measure is designed to be revenue neutral and will be funded through a combination of higher-than-expected tax revenue and underspending. The amount of relief from the general fuel levy will be reduced to R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel starting June 3, 2026.
South Africans will likely feel the impact of these significant petrol and diesel price increases once again in May.
