Brace Yourself: Petrol And Diesel Prices Set To Climb Again In May Despite Relief Measures

South Africans heading into May may need to tighten their budgets yet again. Despite government efforts to cushion the blow, fuel prices are still heading north, and the increases are far from small.

As the final days of April roll in, early data is already painting a worrying picture for motorists across the country.

Petrol Prices Head Towards Another Jump

Latest figures from the Central Energy Fund suggest petrol is on track for a noticeable hike. Current under-recoveries point to increases of around R1.85 per litre if trends hold steady until the official adjustment.

That means coastal drivers could soon be paying roughly R24.38 per litre for 95 unleaded, while inland motorists in Gauteng may see prices climb to around R25.21. Even 93 unleaded is expected to hover just above the R25 mark.

For many South Africans, this is becoming a familiar pattern. Every increase chips away at already stretched household budgets, especially in cities where commuting distances are long and public transport options can be limited or unreliable.

Diesel Drivers Face The Bigger Shock

If petrol increases feel steep, diesel users are in for an even tougher ride. Forecasts suggest a jump of around R4.10 per litre in May.

Wholesale diesel prices are expected to rise to about R29.35 at the coast and just over R30 inland. Once retail margins are added, consumers could be looking at pump prices between R32 and R33 per litre.

This matters beyond just filling up a bakkie or delivery van. Diesel powers much of South Africa’s logistics network, from food transport to mining operations. When diesel prices surge, the cost of moving goods rises too, and that often shows up in supermarket aisles not long after.

Tax Relief Softens The Blow But Not For Long

Government has extended its fuel levy relief into May, offering some breathing room. The diesel tax break, in particular, has been stretched further, effectively cancelling out the general fuel levy for now.

But this relief is temporary. By June, the petrol tax relief will be halved, and diesel support will also be reduced. By July, the safety net disappears completely.

This phased withdrawal raises concerns about what lies ahead. Without intervention, motorists could face even steeper increases in the coming months, especially if global conditions remain unstable.

Global Oil Markets Driving Local Pain

While the rand has held relatively steady, international oil prices are doing most of the damage.

Tensions in the Middle East have kept global markets on edge. Earlier optimism following a ceasefire between the United States and Iran briefly pushed oil prices down. But as talks stalled, prices surged again, with Brent crude climbing back into the $100 to $125 range.

At the centre of this volatility is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil supply. Any uncertainty around this route tends to send prices climbing almost instantly.

For South Africa, which imports the majority of its fuel, these global shifts hit home quickly. Even a stable currency cannot fully shield the country from international price shocks.

What This Means For South Africans

The looming increases are not just about the cost of filling up. Fuel prices ripple through the entire economy.

Higher transport costs can lead to rising food prices, increased delivery fees, and added pressure on small businesses already dealing with tight margins. For everyday consumers, it means less disposable income and more difficult financial decisions.

While the extended tax relief offers a short-term buffer, it is clear that the bigger forces shaping fuel prices lie far beyond South Africa’s borders.

For now, motorists can only prepare for another increase and hope that global conditions stabilise before the next adjustment rolls around.