FUEL PRICES SET TO SPIKE IN SOUTH AFRICA FROM APRIL 2026
South Africans will face higher fuel prices in April 2026 as petrol and diesel costs increase due to global and local economic factors.
Fuel prices in South Africa are set to increase sharply in April 2026, affecting petrol, diesel and the overall cost of living
South Africans should prepare for a sharp increase in fuel prices from Wednesday, 1 April 2026, following an announcement by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
Fuel prices are going up due to a mix of international and local factors affecting the cost of petrol and diesel.
Fuel Price increases
Here’s how much fuel will increase:
• Petrol (93 & 95): +R3.06 per litre
• Diesel (0.05%): +R7.37 per litre
• Diesel (0.005%): +R7.51 per litre
• Illuminating paraffin: +R11.67 per litre
• LPG Gas: +R1.08 – R1.23 per kg
Government says the increase is mainly caused by:
• Rising global oil prices
• Tensions in the Middle East affecting supply
• A weaker Rand against the US Dollar
• Higher transport and shipping costs
There is some temporary relief:
• Government will reduce the general fuel levy by R3 per litre
• This relief will apply from 1 April to 5 May 2026
However, other costs like the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and carbon fuel levy are still increasing, which keeps overall prices high.
What this means for you
• Transport costs will go up
• Food prices may increase due to higher delivery costs
• Daily expenses will become more expensive
Government has warned that while there is enough fuel supply in the country, some shortages may happen due to panic buying, not because fuel is running out.
Government says it is working on longer-term solutions to stabilise fuel prices, but for now, April will bring noticeable increases at the pump.
KAE News will continue to monitor fuel price changes and update on the morning brief
