Motorists in South Africa are bracing for another fuel price adjustment, with Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe confirming new prices will take effect from 6 May 2026.
The latest changes come amid mounting pressure from global oil markets, with government pointing to rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions as key drivers behind the increases.
According to the Department, the average Brent Crude oil price surged from $93.67 to $101 per barrel during the review period, largely due to ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, as well as disruptions to key supply routes including the Strait of Hormuz.
“South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly, informed by international and local factors, including the cost of importing crude oil and finished products,” Mantashe said.
The Department said the global supply strain has had a knock-on effect on fuel costs locally, with diesel and illuminating paraffin seeing sharper increases due to higher demand and reduced supply from the Persian Gulf.
These pressures contributed to increases in the Basic Fuel Price of petrol by R2.04 per litre, diesel by R4.96 per litre, and illuminating paraffin by R4.21 per litre.
“The average international product prices followed the increasing trend of crude oil prices, with middle distillates increasing more due to higher demand and constrained supply,” the Minister explained.
While the rand remained relatively stable against the US dollar, moving marginally from R16.64 to R16.65, this had minimal impact on offsetting the rising costs.
Government has, however, introduced temporary relief measures to cushion consumers. In response to the ongoing global crisis, a short-term reduction in the general fuel levy will be implemented.
“The Minister of Finance, in consultation with the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, has approved a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy,” Mantashe said.
The relief will see a reduction of 300 cents per litre for petrol and 393 cents per litre for diesel, effective from 6 May until 2 June 2026.
At the same time, a slate levy of 122.70 cents per litre will be introduced for petrol and diesel, following a negative cumulative slate balance of R14.173 billion recorded at the end of March.
Meanwhile, the Maximum Refinery Gate Price for LPGas imported through Saldanha Bay has been set at R18,375.72 per metric ton, with the maximum retail price reaching R40.85 per kilogram.
The latest adjustment underscores the continued vulnerability of South Africa’s fuel prices to global market shocks, with motorists likely to feel the impact at the pumps despite temporary relief measures.