South African motorists are in for a painful October at the pumps, with petrol prices set to rise by more than R3 a litre from Wednesday, 7 October 2026, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe announced the latest monthly fuel price adjustments, with increases also affecting diesel, illuminating paraffin and LPGas. The biggest increase will hit 95 octane petrol, which rises by 333 cents a litre, while 93 octane petrol increases by 312 cents a litre.
For drivers already feeling pressure from rising household and transport costs, the latest jump is likely to put further strain on monthly budgets.
⛽ Fuel prices increase from 7 October 2026.
Petrol 93 increases by R3.12/l,
Petrol 95 increases by R3.33/l.
Diesel increases by R2.84/l to R3.24/l, depending on the grade.The adjustments are based on changes in international oil prices, petroleum product prices and other local pricing factors.
🔗See the full statement for all fuel price adjustments. https://t.co/7xv2YY4Z1c
#GovZAUpdates #FuelPriceAdjustments #FuelIncrease
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) October 5, 2026
The sharp rise has largely been driven by international oil markets. According to the department, the average Brent crude oil price climbed from $87.89 to $101 a barrel during the period under review.
The increase was attributed to continuing US-Iran tensions, uncertainty over oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, higher shipping costs and falling global inventories. South Africa imports both crude oil and finished petroleum products, meaning local prices remain closely linked to international market movements.
International prices for petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin also increased as global product inventories declined. This added significantly to the country’s Basic Fuel Price calculations. The international price changes contributed an additional 329.07 cents a litre for petrol, 280.17 cents for diesel and 357.23 cents for illuminating paraffin.
The rand offers little relief
The rand’s slight improvement against the US dollar did little to cushion consumers from the increases. The currency moved from an average of R16.213 to R16.212 against the dollar during the review period.
This marginal strengthening lowered the fuel price contribution by less than one cent a litre, far too little to offset the much larger increase in international oil and petroleum product prices. A further factor is the fuel industry’s slate levy.
The cumulative slate balance stood at a negative R10.45 billion for petrol and diesel at the end of August. The slate levy has consequently increased from 83.28 cents to 87.66 cents a litre under the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism.
Diesel, paraffin and LPGas also increase
Diesel prices will rise by 284.38 cents a litre for 0.05% sulphur diesel and 324.38 cents for 0.005% sulphur diesel. Wholesale illuminating paraffin increases by 358 cents a litre, while the Single Maximum National Retail Price rises by 477 cents a litre.
LPGas prices will also increase. The Maximum Retail Price rises by 42 cents per kilogram, while the increase in the Western Cape is 48 cents per kilogram. For LPGas imported through the Port of Saldanha Bay, the new Maximum Retail Price will be R37.08 per kilogram.
October fuel price increases:
- Petrol 93: 312 c/l
- Petrol 95: 333 c/l
- Diesel 0.05% sulphur: 284.38 c/l
- Diesel 0.005% sulphur: 324.38 c/l
- Illuminating paraffin – wholesale: 358 c/l
- Illuminating paraffin – SMNRP: 477 c/l
- LPGas – maximum retail price: 42 c/kg
- LPGas – Western Cape: 48 c/kg
The department will publish the detailed fuel prices for the various Magisterial District Zones on Tuesday, 6 October, ahead of the increases taking effect the following day.
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