Pretoria – Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe has announced significant fuel price increases in South Africa, effective 6 May 2026, driven by rising global oil prices and geopolitical tensions.
The average Brent crude oil price rose from $93.67 to $101 per barrel due to conflict between the United States and Iran, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting supply.
“This is due to the continued tension between the US and Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to other crucial infrastructure, which has affected crude oil supply,” the department said.
STATEMENT: THE MINISTER OF MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES ANNOUNCES ADJUSTMENT OF FUEL PRICES EFFECTIVE FROM 6 MAY 2026. pic.twitter.com/sQRe7iLBWL
— Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (@DMPR_ZA) May 4, 2026
This pushed up international fuel product prices, particularly diesel and paraffin, which faced higher demand and reduced supply.
As a result, South Africa will see steep increases: petrol rising by R3.27/litre, diesel by R6.19/litre, and paraffin by R4.22/litre. LPG prices will also climb, especially in the Western Cape. A slate levy of 122.70 cents per litre will be applied to recover a negative balance of over R14 billion in the fuel pricing system.
Overall, both global supply disruptions and local pricing mechanisms are driving the sharp increases.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
