South African drivers are bracing for a potential hike in fuel prices come September, with recent data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) suggesting increased costs for petrol, diesel, and illuminating paraffin. According to the figures, 93 petrol could see an uptick of about 83 cents per litre, while 95 petrol might rise by 94 cents. Diesel prices are set to climb even higher, with 0.05% diesel potentially increasing by R2.87 per litre and 0.005% diesel by R3.07. The cost of illuminating paraffin could also rise by approximately R2.24 per litre.
The anticipated surge in diesel prices is particularly worrisome due to its widespread use across various sectors such as freight, agriculture, construction, and mining. Such an increase could lead to heightened transportation and operational expenses, which in turn might drive up the prices of food and other consumer goods. Despite some improvement from earlier projections in August, where petrol was expected to increase by around R1 per litre and diesel by nearly R5 per litre, the pressure on fuel costs remains substantial.
The primary factors driving South Africa’s monthly fuel-price adjustments are international oil prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate. Although the rand has shown some resilience, offering a degree of relief, the ongoing rise in international petroleum prices continues to exacerbate the situation by contributing to fuel under-recoveries.
It’s important to note that the CEF’s figures are preliminary and could be subject to change before the final announcement. The new fuel prices are scheduled to come into effect starting 1 September 2026. As the situation evolves, motorists and industry stakeholders alike will be keenly monitoring any developments that could influence the final pricing adjustments.