The South African government announced on Monday a significant increase in fuel prices at the pump effective Wednesday amid tensions in the international oil market and rising crude oil prices.
According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, gasoline (93 and 95 octane, ULP and LRP) will increase by $0.20 per litre, while diesel (0.05% and 0.005% sulfur) will see a more significant increase of $0.37 per litre.
Wholesale illuminating paraffin will rise by $0.25 per litre, and price for paraffin will
increase by US$0.34 per litre.
LPG prices also increased, with the maximum retail price rising by $0.30/kg in Gauteng and $0.35/kg in the Western Cape.
Authorities explain that these adjustments are primarily due to the rise in the average price of Brent crude, which increased from $93.67 to $101 per barrel over the reference period, or approximately $5.63 to $ 6.07 per litre equivalent amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, logistical disruptions and constraints on global supply.
Middle distillates, particularly diesel, were especially affected by sustained demand and reduced supply from the Persian Gulf.
On the currency front, the rand remained relatively stable against the US dollar, trading at between 16.64 and 16.65 rand/$, with a marginal impact on price formation.
Furthermore, the cumulative balance of the regulatory mechanism (the “slate”) stood at -14.173 billion rand at the end of March 2026, or approximately -$0.85 billion, triggering the application of a slate tax of $0.007 per litre in accordance with the automatic adjustment mechanism.
At the same time, the government announced a temporary reduction in the general fuel tax to mitigate the impact of the increase.
This price is set at $0.18 per litre for gasoline and $0.24 per litre for diesel, applicable from 6 May to 2 June.
Finally, the maximum ex-refinery price of LPG imported via the Port of Saldanha Bay is set at $1,103 per metric tonne (or $2.45/kg).
The detailed price schedule by Magistral District Zone will be published on Tuesday.
AC/Sf/fss/jn/APA