South Africa Raises Fuel Prices

According to South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the price of 93-octane petrol will increase by 3.12 rand per litre, while 95-octane petrol will rise by 3.33 rand per litre.

For diesel, the 0.05% sulphur grade will increase by 2.84 rand per litre, while diesel with 0.005% sulphur will rise by 3.24 rand per litre.

The adjustment also covers illuminating paraffin, whose wholesale price will increase by 3.58 rand per litre, while the maximum retail price of liquefied petroleum gas will rise by 42 cents per kilogram in most parts of the country.

Under the new pricing structure, 95-octane petrol is expected to reach 30.25 rand per litre in inland areas, while 93-octane petrol will cost about 29.88 rand per litre in Gauteng. In coastal areas, 95-octane petrol is expected to sell for around 29.38 rand per litre.

The wholesale price of diesel containing 0.05% sulphur is expected to reach 31.95 rand per litre inland and 31.08 rand in coastal areas. Diesel with a sulphur content of 0.005% could rise to 32.80 rand per litre inland.

According to the South African Government, one of the main factors behind the increase is the rise in the average price of Brent crude oil, which moved from USD 87.89 to USD 101 per barrel during the period used to calculate the adjustment.

Authorities attributed the increase to tensions between the United States and Iran, uncertainty surrounding the movement of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, higher shipping costs and declining international inventories.

International prices for petrol, diesel and paraffin also increased during the review period, reflecting reduced availability of petroleum products on global markets.

The performance of the South African currency provided some relief, however. According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the rand recorded a slight average appreciation against the US dollar during the calculation period, partially limiting the impact of international price increases on consumers.

Another factor contributing to the new prices is South Africa’s fuel price stabilisation mechanism. The cumulative balance linked to petrol and diesel stood at a negative 10.45 billion rand at the end of August, resulting in an increase in the so-called slate levy from 83.28 to 87.66 cents per litre.

The October increase follows other significant fuel price adjustments recorded during 2026. In September, South Africa had already increased the prices of both 93- and 95-octane petrol by 1.34 rand per litre, while some diesel categories rose by more than three rand per litre.

The latest increases are expected to place additional pressure on motorists and transport costs in a country where fuel prices are adjusted monthly according to a formula that takes into account both international and domestic factors.

South Africa imports crude oil and refined petroleum products, leaving the country particularly exposed to fluctuations in international prices, shipping costs and movements in the rand against the US dollar.

The new fuel prices will take effect across South Africa from 7 October 2026.