The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced the fuel price adjustments that will take effect on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, following a volatile period marked by sharp movements in global oil prices and a weakening South African rand against the US dollar, both of which placed significant upward pressure on local fuel prices.
Key Takeaways
- Fuel Prices Set for Major Increases: Petrol will rise by R3.06 per litre, while diesel will surge by up to R7.51 per litre from 1 April 2026.
- Global Conflict and Weak Rand Driving Costs: Rising oil prices due to Middle East tensions and a weaker rand significantly pushed fuel costs higher.
- Temporary Fuel Levy Relief Introduced: Government will reduce the fuel levy by R3.00 per litre from 1 April to 5 May 2026 to ease pressure on motorists.
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Global Conflict Drives Oil Market Volatility
The instability began following the United States’ military action against Iran on 28 February 2026, referred to as Operation Epic Fury. This escalation significantly heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which subsequently disrupted global financial and energy markets.
Iran responded with retaliatory strikes, further intensifying the situation. At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, experienced partial closures. This triggered sharp increases in crude oil prices, which surged past $100 per barrel.
Investors also began withdrawing capital from emerging markets amid rising uncertainty, placing additional pressure on currencies such as the South African rand. As a result, the rand weakened noticeably against the US dollar.
With both major pricing components working against motorists, namely rising oil prices and a weaker rand, South Africa experienced steep under recoveries. This ultimately placed petrol and diesel prices on track for some of the largest increases ever recorded in the country.
Under recoveries occur when the actual cost of fuel is higher than the regulated retail price, forcing adjustments in the following month. These adjustments often lead to sudden and significant price increases.
Temporary Fuel Levy Relief Announced
In an attempt to ease financial pressure on motorists, National Treasury confirmed that the general fuel levy would be temporarily reduced by R3.00 per litre. This intervention aims to cushion consumers from the full impact of the global price shock.
Despite this relief, fuel prices will still see substantial increases from 1 April 2026:
- Petrol prices will increase by R3.06 per litre
- Diesel 0.05% will increase by R7.37 per litre
- Diesel 0.005% will increase by R7.51 per litre
Official Fuel Price Changes
April 2026 Fuel Price Adjustments
| Fuel | Change |
|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | Increase of R3.06 per litre |
| Petrol 95 | Increase of R3.06 per litre |
| Diesel 0.05% (Wholesale) | Increase of R7.37 per litre |
| Diesel 0.005% (Wholesale) | Increase of R7.51 per litre |
| Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale) | Increase of R15.60 per litre |
| LPGAS (Gauteng) | Increase of R1.08 per kg |
The rise in international product prices followed the upward movement in crude oil costs. This resulted in higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Price across several fuel categories:
- Petrol increased by R5.26 per litre
- Diesel increased by R9.49 per litre
- Illuminating paraffin increased by R10.80 per litre
Illuminating paraffin often experiences larger swings because it is more sensitive to supply disruptions and seasonal demand shifts.
LPGAS Market Conditions
The prices of propane and butane remained largely unchanged during the review period. This stability was attributed to lower demand caused by warmer weather conditions in the Northern Hemisphere.
However, shipping costs rose significantly due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which still placed upward pressure on LPGAS pricing.
Shipping costs form a hidden component of fuel pricing and can significantly affect retail prices even when demand remains stable.
Rand Weakness Adds Further Pressure
The rand weakened on average against the US dollar during the review period. The currency moved from approximately R16.00 to R16.64 per US dollar.
This depreciation resulted in further increases to the Basic Fuel Price:
- Petrol increased by 56.18 cents per litre
- Diesel increased by 78.07 cents per litre
- Illuminating paraffin increased by 83.21 cents per litre
A weaker rand makes imported fuel more expensive, even if global oil prices remain unchanged.
Levy Increases Also Take Effect
During the 2026 Budget Speech on 25 February, the Minister of Finance confirmed several levy increases:
- Fuel levy increased by 9.00 cents per litre for petrol
- Fuel levy increased by 8.00 cents per litre for diesel
- Carbon levy increased by 5.00 cents per litre for petrol
- Carbon levy increased by 6.00 cents per litre for diesel
As a result:
- Petrol fuel levy increased to 429.0 cents per litre
- Diesel fuel levy increased to 416.0 cents per litre
The Road Accident Fund levy also increased:
- RAF levy increased by 7.00 cents per litre
- New RAF levy set at 225.0 cents per litre
These changes will take effect from 1 April 2026.
Temporary Levy Reduction Implemented
Due to the ongoing US Iran conflict and its impact on fuel prices, government introduced a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy of R3.00 per litre.
This relief measure will apply from 1 April until 5 May 2026.
During this period:
- Petrol fuel levy will be 129.0 cents per litre
- Diesel fuel levy will be 116.0 cents per litre
This type of temporary intervention has only been used during major crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and previous oil shocks.
Official Inland Fuel Prices
Diesel prices reflect wholesale rates. Pump prices may differ.
Inland Prices
| Fuel | March Official | April Official |
|---|---|---|
| 93 Petrol | R20.19 | R23.25 |
| 95 Petrol | R20.30 | R23.36 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R18.53 | R25.90 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R18.60 | R26.11 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R12.54 | R28.14 |
| LPGAS (per kg) | R34.97 | R36.05 |
This represents one of the largest month to month increases in South African fuel price history.
Coastal Prices
| Fuel | March Official | April Official |
|---|---|---|
| 93 Petrol | R19.40 | R22.46 |
| 95 Petrol | R19.47 | R22.53 |
| Diesel 0.05% | R17.70 | R25.07 |
| Diesel 0.005% | R17.84 | R25.35 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R11.52 | R27.12 |
| LPGAS (per kg) | R31.72 | R32.80 |
| LPGAS (Saldanha) | R33.84 | R35.07 |
Coastal regions typically experience slightly lower fuel prices due to reduced transportation costs from ports.
What Motorists Can Expect
Motorists should prepare for:
Motorists should prepare for higher commuting costs, increased transport and delivery prices, potential food price inflation, and added pressure on already stretched household budgets.
Fuel price increases often ripple through the entire economy, affecting everything from groceries to public transport.
Tips for Motorists to Save Fuel
To help offset rising costs, motorists may consider:
- Reducing unnecessary trips
- Maintaining correct tyre pressure
- Avoiding harsh acceleration
- Combining errands into single trips
- Using fuel rewards programmes
Even small fuel saving habits can reduce monthly fuel spending significantly.
Conclusion
The April 2026 fuel price adjustments represent one of the most significant increases in South Africa’s history, driven by global conflict, currency weakness, and levy adjustments. Although government intervention through a temporary fuel levy reduction provides some relief, motorists and businesses will still face substantial cost increases. The broader economic impact is expected to be felt across transport, goods pricing, and household budgets in the coming weeks.
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