The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy in Eswatini has announced a significant adjustment in fuel prices, effective from midnight on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The new prices, which take effect on Friday, June 5, 2026, reveal a notable increase in petrol costs, while diesel and illuminating paraffin prices have decreased substantially. This change is attributed to various factors, including fluctuations in international crude oil prices and seasonal changes in global demand.
According to the schedule released by government officials, the price of Unleaded Petrol (ULP95) will increase by 90 cents per litre, from E25.27 to E26.17 per litre. In contrast, commercial-grade Diesel (0.005% S) will drop by E2.40 per litre, moving down from E31.60 to E29.20 per litre. This significant decrease is expected to provide relief to heavy transport operators and consumers relying on distillate fuels.
Illuminating Paraffin, a critical fuel source for domestic heating and cooking in many local communities, will experience the largest single reduction, dropping by E2.90 per litre. The new price for Illuminating Paraffin will be E23.38 per litre, down from the current price of E26.28 per litre. This decrease is anticipated to benefit households that rely heavily on paraffin for their energy needs.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy attributes the overall pricing review to a decline in international crude oil prices, which averaged USD104 per barrel during the current review period, down from the USD110 per barrel average recorded in April 2026. Additionally, lower international freight costs have contributed to the improved landing prices of refined fuel products.
The internal market dynamics driving the split in local pricing are linked directly to seasonal changes in the Northern Hemisphere. The steep drops in diesel and paraffin costs are attributed to a standard reduction in global demand following the end of the northern winter season. Conversely, the rise in petrol prices is the result of growing international demand as the northern summer travel season begins.
Despite the significant drops in the diesel and paraffin sectors, the Ministry has issued a formal directive advising all domestic consumers to utilise fuel resources responsibly and efficiently. The state communications highlighted that international oil indices and the Lilangeni/US Dollar exchange rate remain highly volatile, ensuring that local pricing will continue to face direct exposure to global market fluctuations.
The fuel price adjustments are expected to have a varying impact on different sectors of the economy and households in Eswatini. While the increase in petrol prices may affect consumers who rely heavily on personal vehicles, the decreases in diesel and paraffin prices are likely to benefit businesses and households that use these fuels for their energy needs. The Ministry's directive for responsible fuel usage underscores the need for consumers to be mindful of their fuel consumption in the face of ongoing global market volatility.
Key points
- Petrol prices will increase by E0.90 per litre to E26.17 per litre.
- Diesel prices will decrease by E2.40 per litre to E29.20 per litre.
- Illuminating Paraffin prices will drop by E2.90 per litre to E23.38 per litre.
