South African motorists face a petrol price hike of about R2.09 per litre for 95-octane from Wednesday 6 May 2026, with diesel users absorbing a further increase of around R4.10 even after Treasury extended the diesel levy reprieve by 93 cents.
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International petroleum product prices account for 99.5 percent of the current under-recovery, according to Central Energy Fund data. The R3.00 General Fuel Levy is set to be reinstated on 6 May, although Treasury has signalled it may phase the levy in over several months to soften the impact. Rand weakness against the US dollar continues to push the basic fuel price higher before local levies and distribution margins are added.
Sources: IOL Motoring, BusinessTech, Stuff South Africa, AutoTrader
