Diesel prices in South Africa are set to exceed R32 per litre for the first time, driven by international oil market pressures. Diesel 500ppm will retail for at least R32.09 per litre, while diesel 50ppm will cost R32.30 per litre.
Both grades of diesel will increase by R6.19 per litre. Petrol prices will also rise, with petrol 93 and 95 seeing an increase of R3.27 per litre.
The average brent crude oil price increased from 93.67 dollars to 101 dollars. This price surge stems from heightened demand and reduced supply, particularly from the Persian Gulf due to ongoing Middle East tensions.
Key impacts:
- The agricultural industry, which mostly runs on diesel, is among the hardest hit by the jump in prices.
- Higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin increased by R2.04 per litre, R4.96 per litre, and R4.21 per litre, respectively.
- A temporary reduction in the general fuel levy of 300.0 cents for petrol and 393.0 cents for diesel will be implemented from May 6 to June 2, 2026.
From July 1 onwards, the general fuel levy for petrol will return to R4.10 per litre and for diesel to R3.93 per litre. Officials expect these adjustments will affect consumer spending and transportation costs across multiple sectors.
