South African motorists face record fuel price levels at the pump this week. Inland 95 unleaded jumped to R26.52 a litre on 6 May 2026, and 50ppm diesel climbed to R32.09. Four months ago, on 7 January, the same fuel cost R20.75 and R18.52 a litre. Those were the cheapest pump prices the country had seen since February 2022.
The shift was driven by the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Brent crude ripping past $100 a barrel, the rand softening to R16.65/USD and the phased return of the General Fuel Levy after Treasury’s temporary 1 April to 5 May relief.
To put numbers on it, we calculated what it cost to fill six popular South African vehicles from empty in January and what the same fill-up costs today, using inland prices.
Fuel price impact: cost per fill-up January vs May 2026
| Vehicle | Tank | Fuel | January 2026 | May 2026 | Increase | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 | 80L | Diesel | R1 481.60 | R2 567.20 | +R1 085.60 | +73.3% |
| Land Rover Defender 110 D250 | 90L | Diesel | R1 666.80 | R2 888.10 | +R1 221.30 | +73.3% |
| Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Premium | 54L | Petrol 95 | R1 120.50 | R1 432.08 | +R311.58 | +27.8% |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XS | 47L | Petrol 95 | R975.25 | R1 246.44 | +R271.19 | +27.8% |
| Kia Sonet 1.5 | 45L | Petrol 95 | R933.75 | R1 193.40 | +R259.65 | +27.8% |
| Datsun Go 1.2 | 35L | Petrol 95 | R726.25 | R928.20 | +R201.95 | +27.8% |
Diesel drivers carry the heavier load. A Defender owner now pays R1 221 more per tank than in January. That is almost double the price of an entire Datsun Go fill-up four months ago. Even an entry-level petrol car like the Datsun Go costs R202 more to brim today than it did at the start of the year.
Across these six vehicles alone, the combined extra spend per fill-up is R3 351.
The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee meets on 28 May and is widely expected to factor higher transport costs into its inflation outlook. Another fuel adjustment is due on the first Wednesday of June, with most analysts pencilling in a further increase as the levy relief fully unwinds.
Tell us
How much more are you paying to fill your car this month compared to January? Drop your vehicle, your tank size and your monthly fuel bill in the comments. We will feature the most striking jumps in our follow-up.
Sources: Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources fuel price announcements (January and May 2026); Fuels Industry Association of South Africa; manufacturer-published tank capacities. Diesel prices reflect the regulated wholesale (basic fuel) price for inland 50ppm; pump prices vary by retailer.
