Fuel price hike: Here’s what it will cost to fill up your tank from Wednesday

Words: African Insider/Betha Madhomu

South African motorists are expected to see little to no relief at the fuel pumps from Wednesday, with month-end data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) showing that the fuel price over-recovery has disappeared ahead of the August fuel price adjustment.

While Petrol 93 is forecast to decrease by 5 cents per litre and Petrol 95 is expected to remain unchanged, diesel users face steep increases of between R1.76 and R1.91 per litre. Illuminating paraffin is also expected to rise by R1.51 per litre.

The sharp turnaround has been driven by a surge in global oil prices following renewed conflict between the US and Iran, which temporarily pushed crude oil prices to $100 a barrel after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Although prices have since eased to about $83.52 a barrel, market volatility remains.

A weaker rand also contributed to the higher fuel costs, although it has recovered slightly after stronger inflation data and a budget surplus.

If the forecasts hold, filling up an average vehicle will become significantly more expensive for diesel motorists when the new prices take effect on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.

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Source: African Insider