South Africa’s official fuel price adjustments for May have been confirmed, with motorists set to feel a sharp increase at the pumps from Wednesday, 6 May, Cape {town} Etc reports.
According to the Central Energy Fund (CEF), both petrol and diesel prices will rise significantly, marking another tough month for consumers.
Official May fuel price changes
The confirmed increases are as follows:
- Petrol 93: +R3.27 per litre
- Petrol 95: +R3.27 per litre
- Diesel (0.05% and 0.005%): +R6.19 per litre
- Illuminating paraffin: +R4.22 per litre
These changes reflect the final outcome of month-end pricing data tracked by the CEF.
What you’ll be paying at the pumps
The increase push inland fuel prices to:
- Petrol 93: R26.52 per litre
- Petrol 95: R26.63 per litre
- Diesel (0.05% and 0.005%): R32.30 per litre
Coastal prices are slightly lower, but still significantly higher than April levels.
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Why prices are rising
According to BusinessTech, the latest hikes are driven by rising international fuel prices and a weaker rand during the review period.
The CEF data shows that increases in global oil prices – alongside currency pressure – have pushed up the Basic Fuel Price, the main component of local fuel costs.
In addition, a slate levy adjustment of 122.70 cents per litre was implemented to recover industry under-recoveries, further adding to the increase.
Relief measures in place
The publication added that some relief remains in place through government intervention:
- Petrol levy remains reduced by R3 per litre
- Diesel levy reduced to zero, with additional relief of about 93 cents per litre
However, these measures were not enough to offset the full impact of global price pressures and levy adjustments.
The confirmed increases mean motorists are once again facing rising transport costs, with diesel – critical for logistics and goods transport – seeing the steepest jump.
With fuel prices feeding into food, transport and broader inflation, the May adjustment is expected to place further strain on household budgets across South Africa.
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Picture: Erik Mclean / Unsplash
