Motorists will face higher fuel costs from Wednesday 4 March 2026, following official adjustments announced by the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. Petrol, diesel, and other fuel products are set to climb amid continued volatility in global oil markets.
The price increases follow a sharp surge in oil prices during February, triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Recent military action involving the United States and Israel pushed oil prices from below $60 a barrel to over $80 a barrel, with much of the spike occurring on the final day of the month.
Although the rand showed resilience against the US dollar, its strength was insufficient to offset the impact of rising international oil prices, resulting in negative fuel price recoveries.
Fuel price adjustments (effective 4 March 2026):
- Petrol: +20 cents per litre (both grades)
- Diesel 0.05% sulphur: +62 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.005% sulphur: +65 cents per litre
- Illuminating paraffin: +44 cents per litre
- LPGAS (Gauteng): +23 cents per kilogram
The Basic Fuel Price increased to 16.959 cents per litre for petrol, 19.200 cents for diesel, and 19.207 cents for illuminating paraffin, reflecting higher average international product prices. Meanwhile, the rand/US dollar exchange rate improved from 16.3054 to 15.9959, slightly mitigating the impact.
The Slate Levy on petrol and diesel remains unchanged at 0.00 cents per litre. The maximum refinery gate price (MRGP) for LPGAS rises to R11,470.61 per metric ton (636.619 cents per litre), excluding VAT, with imported LPGAS via Port of Saldanha Bay set at R13,076.49 per metric ton (725.745 cents per litre).
Inland Pump Prices (from 4 March 2026):
- 93 Petrol: R20.19 (up from R19.99)
- 95 Petrol: R20.30 (up from R20.10)
- Diesel 0.05%: R18.53 (up from R17.91)
- Diesel 0.005%: R18.60 (up from R17.95)
- Illuminating Paraffin: R12.54 (up from R12.10)
- LPGAS: R34.97 per kg (up from R34.74)
Coastal Prices:
- 93 Petrol: R19.40 (up from R19.20)
- 95 Petrol: R19.47 (up from R19.27)
- Diesel 0.05%: R17.70
- Diesel 0.005%: R17.84
- Illuminating Paraffin: R11.52
- LPGAS: R31.72 per kg
Wholesale diesel prices are reflected above; actual pump prices may vary.
Motorists are advised to plan accordingly as the new fuel prices take effect across the country
