Petrol set to top R30 a litre as prices jump over R3 next week, CEF warns

South African motorists face a sharp fuel price increase next week, with 95 octane petrol projected to rise above R30 a litre for the first time. The Central Energy Fund’s final monthly update forecasts substantial increases across fuel types, with new prices expected on Wednesday, 7 October.

How much consumers may pay

The CEF update projects a R3.21 per litre increase for 95 octane petrol, taking the price from R26.92 to R30.13. Forecasts for other fuels include:

• Petrol 93: increase of R3.01 per litre
• Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): increase of R2.76 per litre
• Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): increase of R3.15 per litre
• Illuminating paraffin: increase of R3.47 per litre

Drivers of the spike

The CEF links the sharp price movement to international and currency shifts, including a reported 3% jump in Brent crude that moved from $94 to $100 a barrel in September, and a weaker rand that slid from R16.18 to R16.53 against the US dollar.

Expected confirmation and wider impact

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to confirm the adjustment soon, with the changes scheduled to take effect on 7 October. The CEF report notes that under‑recoveries on diesel have deepened, currently ranging from R2.76 to R3.15 per litre.

Household squeeze

Reporting cited in the update says South African households are being squeezed by a combination of rising interest rates and soaring fuel prices, adding pressure to household budgets and consumer spending.

What to watch

Motorists and businesses should watch for the official DMPR confirmation and the new prices taking effect on 7 October. The CEF figures provide the current expectation for how much pump prices will increase across fuel types.