November fuel price: Petrol could approach R35 a litre after another shock

South African motorists could be in for another painful trip to the petrol station next month, with early November fuel price projections pointing to a possible R4.58-a-litre increase for 95 petrol.

The preliminary figures from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) come just days after October’s increases pushed inland 95 petrol above the R30-a-litre mark.

If the latest projections hold, motorists could see prices climb even further in November, with inland 95 petrol potentially moving towards R35 a litre.

But there is an important caveat: these are still early figures and the final November adjustment has not yet been announced.

How much could fuel increase in November?

The latest CEF data points to increases across all the main fuel categories.

The preliminary projections are:

• Petrol 93: +R4.29 a litre
• Petrol 95: +R4.58 a litre
• Diesel 0.05%: +R2.56 a litre
• Diesel 0.005%: +R2.91 a litre
• Illuminating paraffin: +R5.00 a litre

For drivers already feeling the impact of October’s increase, another jump of this size would represent a significant additional cost.

October saw 95 petrol increase by R3.33 a litre, while 93 petrol went up by R3.12.

Diesel prices also climbed, with increases ranging from R2.84 to R3.24 a litre.

Why could November fuel prices rise again?

International fuel prices and the rand are once again putting pressure on South Africa’s pump prices.

Investec chief economist Annabel Bishop has warned that rising international petroleum prices, combined with a weaker rand, are driving the latest projections.

According to Bishop, movements in international fuel prices account for more than R4 of the potential petrol increase, while the exchange rate contributes roughly another 50 cents.

South Africa imports fuel, meaning local motorists are particularly exposed to changes in global energy prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate.

When international prices rise or the rand weakens, those movements can quickly feed into the amount motorists pay at the pump.

Calls grow for fuel levy relief

Another major increase could also put renewed pressure on the government to provide relief through the fuel levy.

Bishop has called for another reduction in the general fuel levy to cushion consumers from the potential increase.

“A cut in the general fuel price levy is warranted again, in the face of the additional potential consumer stress,” she said.

For households, higher fuel prices don’t only mean paying more to fill up a car.

Transport costs can increase, while businesses that depend on diesel-powered vehicles and road freight may face higher operating expenses.

Those costs can eventually filter through to the prices consumers pay for goods and services.

Bishop has also warned that sustained increases in fuel prices could push consumer inflation above 5%.

When will the November fuel price be confirmed?

Motorists will have to wait until the end of October for the final November adjustment.

The CEF monitors international petroleum prices and movements in the rand-dollar exchange rate throughout the month. These figures can change before the final calculation is made.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to announce the official November adjustment towards the end of October.

The new fuel prices are scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

Until then, the potential R4.58 increase remains a projection rather than the final price motorists will pay.

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Source: The South African