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The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has confirmed that fuel prices will see a dramatic shift beginning 1 April 2026.

As per BusinessTech, here’s what South Africans will be paying:

Inland March Official April Official
93 Petrol R20.19 R23.25
95 Petrol R20.30 R23.36
Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) R18.53 R25.90
Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) R18.60 R26.11
Illuminating Paraffin R12.54 R28.14
LPGAS (per kg) R34.97 R36.05
Coastal March Official April Official
93 Petrol R19.40 R22.46
95 Petrol R19.47 R22.53
Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) R17.70 R25.07
Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) R17.84 R25.35
Illuminating Paraffin R11.52 R27.12
LPGAS (per kg) R31.72 R32.80
LPGAS (Saldanha)* R33.84 R35.07

This change comes as escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens global energy markets, leading to increased risks and pressures on domestic fuel prices.

According to data from the Central Energy Fund Group, consumers should brace for some of the highest fuel price increases recorded historically.

To mitigate this burden, the government has introduced a two-phase relief strategy aimed at providing temporary respite for consumers while ensuring the sustainability of fuel supply across the nation.

Immediate Measures: Temporary Fuel Levy Reduction

The first phase of the approach is an immediate intervention that includes a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy. Starting 1 April, the general fuel levy will decrease by R3 per litre, applicable until 5 May 2026.

For petrol, this reduction means the levy will drop from R4.10 to R1.10 per litre, while for diesel, it will fall from R3.93 to R0.93 per litre. Notably, this adjustment does not include other levies such as the Road Accident Fund levy and the Carbon Fuel Levy.

This temporary reduction, estimated to cost the government around R6 billion in foregone tax revenue, reflects an intent to ease the financial strain on consumers, particularly in light of rising food and transport inflation.

The Minister of Finance emphasised in discussions about the budget that the relief measure is designed to be fiscally neutral, assuring the public of the government’s commitment to recouping lost revenue.

Future Support and Fuel Security Assurances

Beyond the initial relief measures, government authorities are committed to exploring a broader package of support tailored for households and key sectors critical to the economy.

Further details on these measures are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks as the government monitors the situation closely.

The government has also attempted to quell public concerns regarding fuel supply, noting that while reports of shortages are circulating, these reflections are largely due to local distribution challenges rather than genuine fuel scarcities.

Officials assert that panic buying has contributed to localised shortages, which are anticipated to resolve shortly.

Motorists and businesses have been urged to purchase fuel judiciously, avoiding unnecessary stockpiling. In tandem with stabilising measures, government officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that there is sufficient fuel stock to satisfy both current and projected demand.

Fuel relief shock as Godongwana slashes levy

South African motorists are set for short-term relief at the pumps after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed a temporary cut to the country’s fuel levy in response to soaring global oil prices.

Speaking in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Godongwana revealed that both petrol and diesel will see a R3 per litre reduction for April, a move aimed at cushioning consumers from a sharp spike in fuel costs, as per MoneyWeb.

The announcement comes as international oil prices have surged dramatically, climbing by nearly 50% since late February following conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, placing pressure on economies that rely heavily on fuel imports.

Locally, the impact has been amplified by a weaker rand, with data from the Central Energy Fund indicating that petrol prices could jump close to 30%, while diesel costs may rise by more than half.

Government intervention signals growing concern about the knock-on effects of these increases, particularly on inflation and household spending, as higher fuel prices typically drive up the cost of goods and transport across the board.

South Africa’s Reserve Bank has been working to keep inflation around a 3% target, while earlier projections placed economic growth at just 1.6% for the year, both of which now face added pressure from rising energy costs.

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Godongwana stressed that the relief is temporary, applying only to April for now, while discussions continue around whether additional support could be extended into the following two months.

The move mirrors steps taken by other oil-importing countries such as South Korea and the Philippines, which have also introduced measures to soften the economic blow of escalating oil prices.

This is not the first time government has stepped in, with a similar fuel levy reduction implemented in 2022 after global prices surged בעקבות Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The fuel levy remains a major source of revenue for the state, bringing in an estimated R97 billion in the financial year ending this week, highlighting the balancing act between easing pressure on consumers and maintaining public finances.

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