South Africans brace for pain at the pumps as petrol, diesel prices skyrocket

Last updated on 2026-04-01

JOHANNESBURG – South African motorists and households are bracing for a severe financial body blow as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced drastic fuel price increases, effective midnight on Tuesday, 1 April 2026.

The adjustments, outlined by Minister Gwede Mantashe, will see the most punishing increases levied on diesel—a critical fuel for the logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.

The key increases are a R3.06 per litre rise for both 93 and 95 octane petrol, while diesel 0.005% sulphur increases by a staggering R7.51 per litre. Illuminating paraffin, used by many low-income households for heating and cooking, will jump by R11.67 per litre wholesale.

The department cited a “perfect storm” of international and local factors.

The average Brent Crude oil price skyrocketed from $69.08 to $93.67 per barrel during the review period, primarily due to continued geopolitical tension between the US and Iran, disrupting supply through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Compounding this global shock, the Rand depreciated significantly against the US Dollar, averaging R16.64/$ compared to R16.00/$ previously. This currency weakness amplified the international oil price increase in Rand terms.

“These factors led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices,” the statement read, noting substantial underlying increases before levies.

In response to the crisis, the Minister of Finance, in consultation with Minister Mantashe, announced a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy of R3.00 per litre for both petrol and diesel. This relief measure will be in effect from 1 April to 5 May 2026.

However, this is offset by other legislated increases. As per the February 2026 budget, the Fuel Levy itself will still see a net increase, as will the Road Accident Fund (RAF) Levy and the Carbon Fuel Levy. The temporary reduction merely softens the overall blow for a five-week period

The human impact of these abstract numbers was palpable at filling stations across the country.

At a Shell garage near Jabulani Mall in Soweto, queues formed on Tuesday evening as motorists tried to fill up before the midnight deadline.

Xoli Thenjekwayo, waiting in line, voiced the frustration of millions. “Our government does not care about ordinary South Africans. They use state vehicles,” she said. “Public transport will increase, food prices will skyrocket. They should have considered that millions are not working.”

Another motorist, Mbali Myeni, argued for more permanent intervention. “The government can decrease the fuel levy.

They simply don’t care about its people. Look, electricity is too expensive. We simply can’t afford this while the country is faced with a high unemployment rate.”

Some expressed a sense of futility. “It is useless to fill the tank before the new fuel price increase from midnight. We still come back and face same price hike,” one motorist remarked

Economists warn that such a sharp increase, particularly in diesel, will have a ripple effect throughout the economy.

Diesel powers the trucks that deliver goods nationwide, the tractors that harvest crops, and the generators used during load-shedding.

Increased transport and operational costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices for food, clothing, and other essential goods.

The hike places enormous strain on low- and middle-income households already grappling with high inflation, interest rates, and unemployment.

It also threatens to stifle business growth and economic recovery, as companies face rising input costs.

While the government points to the temporary levy reduction and complex international factors, for South Africans facing another long queue and a much emptier wallet, the explanation offers little comfort.