South Africa’s fuel prices rose sharply on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) confirmed increases of more than R3 a litre across petrol and diesel grades, taking 95 unleaded petrol in Gauteng above R30 a litre for the first time.
The new prices
| Product (inland) | Change | New price |
|---|---|---|
| 95 unleaded petrol | +R3.33/ℓ | R30.25/ℓ |
| 93 unleaded petrol | +R3.12/ℓ | R29.88/ℓ |
| Diesel 0.05% (500ppm), wholesale | +R2.84/ℓ | R31.95/ℓ |
| Diesel 0.005% (50ppm), wholesale | +R3.24/ℓ | R32.80/ℓ |
| Illuminating paraffin, max. retail (SMNRP) | +R4.77/ℓ | R31.82/ℓ |
| LPG | +42c/kg | Varies by zone |
At the coast, 95 unleaded moved to R29.38 a litre and 10ppm wholesale diesel to R32.03 a litre. Diesel pump prices are not regulated at retail level, so what fleets pay at the forecourt will differ from these wholesale figures.
What drove the increase
International product prices. The average Brent crude price over the review period rose from about $87.89 to $101 a barrel, with refined product prices following. Tensions between the United States and Iran, uncertainty over flows through the Strait of Hormuz, higher shipping costs and falling inventories all contributed. For 95 petrol, higher product prices alone added roughly 329 cents a litre.
The rand. The exchange rate barely moved, averaging R16.21 to the US dollar against R16.21 in the previous period. Its effect on the basic fuel price was negligible this month.
The slate levy. The levy rises to 87.66 cents a litre from 83.28 cents, because the cumulative petrol and diesel slate balance stood at a negative R10.456 billion at the end of August. (We explain how the slate works in The slate levy explained.)
What it means for commercial buyers
For a mining or logistics operation burning 500 000 litres of diesel a month, a R3 increase adds roughly R1.5 million to the monthly fuel bill. Three practical responses are worth considering now:
- Review contract structure. Term agreements with a clear pricing formula give budget certainty that spot purchasing does not.
- Check your sulphur grade. The gap between 50ppm and 10ppm diesel widened this month; confirm which grade your equipment genuinely requires.
- Watch the next window. Prices are reviewed monthly. Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund gives an early view of the next adjustment.
If you would like to discuss diesel supply for the months ahead, speak to our supply team.
Sources: Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announcement (5 October 2026), as reported by Mail & Guardian and NOW in SA.
Published by African Energy Enterprises. This article is general information and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice. Regulated prices and rules change; confirm current figures with the relevant authority.
