Government corrects diesel price error in May fuel hike

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has faced scrutiny due to an unexpected announcement about the upcoming fuel price changes, set to take effect on Wednesday (today), Cape {town} Etc reports.

A significant miscalculation regarding the fuel levy on diesel has prompted an erratum from the Minister, leading to essential clarifications for South African consumers grappling with rising fuel costs.

Initially, the DMPR reported a modest reduction of 0.93 cents per litre in the fuel levy on diesel—a figure that, due to clerical oversight, was drastically incorrect.

The reality was that the reduction was intended to be 93.00 cents per litre. This critical error resulted in an inflated increase in the anticipated wholesale price of diesel, which has direct implications for motorists and businesses alike.

In an official statement, the department acknowledged the miscommunication, stressing the importance of transparency in reporting fuel prices.

‘The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources hereby issues an erratum on the Media Statement for Fuel Price adjustments effective from the 6th of May 2026,’ it said.

JUST IN: The Mineral and Petroleum Ministry has admitting that it made an error during the calculation of fuel prices for May…
“The additional 93.00 cents per litre reduction in the fuel levy on diesel was erroneously captured as 0.93 cents per litre. This resulted in a higher… https://t.co/A7rJ1GKzSf pic.twitter.com/qNuFPc18Pg

— Katy Katopodis (@KatyKatopodis) May 5, 2026 

The statement went on to clarify that the anticipated increase in wholesale diesel prices would now sit at R5,27 per litre, revised from the previously announced R6,19 per litre.

The fuel price adjustments will now reflect the following increments:

• Petrol 93 and 95 (ULP & LRP): Increase of R3,27 per litre
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): Increase of R5,27 per litre
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): Increase of R5,27 per litre
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Increase of R4,22 per litre
• SMNRP for IP: Increase of R5,63 per litre
• Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: Increase of R5,07 per kilogram in Gauteng and R5,78 per kilogram in the Western Cape

The DMPR expressed its sincere apologies for any confusion caused by the earlier miscalculation, emphasising its commitment to ensuring accurate and timely dissemination of information related to fuel pricing.