Fuel shock: Petrol rises by R1.34, diesel by up to R3.15 from Wednesday

Fuel

Johannesburg – South African motorists are set for another painful month at the pumps, with petrol prices increasing by R1.34 per litre and diesel prices rising by as much as R3.15 per litre from Wednesday, 2 September 2026.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) announced the adjustments on Monday, citing higher international crude oil and petroleum product prices, as well as changes in the rand-dollar exchange rate.

According to the department, 93 and 95 unleaded petrol will both increase by R1.34 per litre, while wholesale 0.05% sulphur diesel will rise by R2.94 per litre and 0.005% sulphur diesel by R3.15 per litre.

The increases come after motorists received some relief in August, when both grades of petrol fell by 52 cents per litre, although diesel prices increased.

Oil prices drive September increases

The department said international market conditions were the main driver behind the latest adjustments.

“The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 82.37 US Dollars (USD) to 87.88 USD during the period under review,” the statement said.

It attributed the increase to “the continued US/Iran tensions, uncertainty regarding the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz and higher shipping costs.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route for global oil shipments, meaning disruptions or uncertainty around shipping through the waterway can have a significant impact on international crude prices.

The DMPR also pointed to higher international petroleum product prices.

“The average international product prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin increased due to supply shortages caused by continued Russia/Ukraine conflict and lower global inventories of products,” the department said.

These developments contributed to higher Basic Fuel Prices, with the department recording increases of 127.79 cents per litre for petrol, 321.29 cents for diesel and 239.06 cents for illuminating paraffin.

Stronger rand provides some relief

The rand’s performance against the US dollar helped limit the size of the increases.

The department said the local currency “appreciated on average against the US Dollar from 16.46 to 16.21 Rand per USD during the period under review”.

It added that this resulted in lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin.

Despite the stronger rand, however, the impact of higher international oil and petroleum product prices outweighed the currency benefit.

Slate levy adds further pressure

Motorists will also be paying more because of the implementation of the Slate Levy.

The department said the cumulative slate balance had reached a negative R9.519 billion for petrol and diesel as at the end of July 2026.

“In line with the provisions of the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism, the slate levy of 83.28 c/l will be implemented in the price structures of petrol and diesel with effect from the 2nd of September 2026,” the statement said.

The levy is designed to help compensate fuel companies for fluctuations between international fuel prices and the regulated domestic prices.

Forecourt wages also contribute

The department said an annual wage adjustment for forecourt workers would also be incorporated into the fuel price structure.

According to the statement, the Motor and Petroleum Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) approved a 4.9-cent-per-litre increase in the price structure to accommodate the wage increase for petrol and diesel retailers.

The adjustment follows the multi-year wage settlement agreement signed on 23 July 2025 and will take effect from 2 September.

LPG prices also increase

The department also announced an adjustment to the maximum refinery gate price for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imported through the Port of Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape.

The maximum refinery gate price will increase to R15,163.09 per metric ton, or R36.60 per kilogram, effective from 2 September.

The latest increases are expected to put additional pressure on household and business transport costs, particularly given the much larger rise in diesel prices.

Industry data had already pointed to substantial September increases before the official announcement, with forecasts showing diesel increases of close to R3 per litre and petrol increases of around R1 per litre.

The official September adjustments will take effect from Wednesday, 2 September 2026. The DMPR confirms that South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly based on international oil prices, exchange-rate movements and statutory levies.

Key September 2026 increases:

Petrol 93: +R1.34/litre
Petrol 95: +R1.34/litre
Diesel 0.05%: +R2.94/litre
Diesel 0.005%: +R3.15/litre
Slate levy: 83.28 cents/litre
Forecourt wage adjustment: 4.9 cents/litre
LPG maximum refinery gate price: R15,163.09/metric ton or R36.60/kg.

September prices

Inland:

  • 93 petrol: R26.76/l
  • 95 petrol: R26.92/l
  • Diesel 0.05%: R29.11/l
  • Diesel 0.005%: R30.05/l
  • Paraffin: R20.89/l
  • LPGAS: R37.39/kg

Coastal:

  • 93 petrol: R25.97/l
  • 95 petrol: R26.05/l
  • Diesel 0.05%: R28.24/l
  • Diesel 0.005%: R28.79/l
  • Paraffin: R19.83/l
  • LPGAS: R34.13/kg

The increases take effect at midnight on Tuesday, 1 September, and apply from Wednesday, 2 September 2026.

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