Motorists in South Africa will see a minimal decrease in petrol prices from Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Petrol 93 and 95 will both decrease by 1 cent per litre. In contrast, diesel prices will experience a significant drop, with diesel containing 0.05% sulphur content decreasing by R1.10 per litre and 0.005% sulphur diesel by R1.20 per litre.
The adjustments in fuel prices are attributed to various international and local factors. According to the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, these factors include higher crude oil prices, increased international petroleum product prices, and a weaker rand against the US dollar. The rand depreciated from an average of R16.21 to R16.55 during the period under review, contributing to the price changes.
Despite the temporary fuel levy relief announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement on October 21, 2026, the relief for motorists is limited. The general fuel levy will be reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R3 per litre for diesel from November 4, bringing the levy down to R2.79 per litre for petrol and R1.16 per litre for diesel.
The average Brent crude oil price increased from $101 to $108 a barrel during the period under review. This rise is linked to uncertainty caused by the conflict in the Middle East, including recent attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure, as well as higher freight and insurance costs. International prices for petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin also increased.
The department attributed the higher international product prices to several factors, including tight global supply, higher seasonal demand ahead of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite efforts by the G7 to improve global diesel supply, the US waiving certain Russia sanctions, and Russia lifting export restrictions, prices continued to rise.
The slate levy, which affects the fuel price structure, has increased from 87.66 cents to 135.84 cents per litre. The cumulative slate balance for petrol and diesel stood at a negative R15.876 billion at the end of September. As a result, the increased levy will be included in the petrol and diesel price structures from November 4.
In addition to the petrol and diesel price changes, wholesale illuminating paraffin will increase by R2.75 per litre, and the Single Maximum National Retail Price for illuminating paraffin will increase by R3.66 per litre. LPG prices will also rise by R183 per kilogram, with an increase of R208 per kilogram in the Western Cape.
Key points
- Petrol prices in South Africa will drop by just 1 cent per litre from Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
- Diesel prices will experience a significant drop, with diesel containing 0.05% sulphur content decreasing by R1.10 per litre and 0.005% sulphur diesel by R1.20 per litre.
- The general fuel levy will be reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R3 per litre for diesel from November 4.
