Here’s the dreadful price news for SA’s diesel motorists in August 2026
· The South African
South Africa’s diesel motorists are on course for a painful increase at the pumps next month, with the latest Central Energy Fund (CEF) data pointing to hikes of well over R1.20 per litre.
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While petrol users are still expected to receive a modest price cut in August, soaring international oil prices have all but wiped out diesel’s recovery, leaving truckers, farmers and businesses bracing for another significant increase.
Latest fuel price projections
Based on the CEF’s daily fuel price data as of 27 July 2026, the expected adjustments are:
FuelExpected changePetrol 93Decrease of 26 cents/litrePetrol 95Decrease of 21 cents/litreDiesel 0.05%Increase of 147 cents/litreDiesel 0.005%Increase of 127 cents/litreIlluminating paraffinIncrease of 117 cents/litreThe diesel increases are expected to have a knock-on effect across the economy, as higher transport and logistics costs often feed through into the prices consumers pay for goods and services.
Rising oil prices behind diesel surge
The outlook has worsened in recent days after renewed tensions involving the United States and Iran sparked fresh concerns over crude oil supplies moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic shipping route carries around 20% of the world’s seaborne crude oil, meaning any disruption quickly pushes global oil prices higher.
At the time of publication:
- Brent crude: $86.93 per barrel
- Rand/US dollar: R16.75/$
Diesel has been hit particularly hard because its price is closely linked to international distillate markets, which have risen sharply alongside crude oil.
Fuel security under the spotlight
With global energy markets becoming increasingly volatile, Cabinet has approved the publication of South Africa’s draft Strategic Petroleum Stocks Policy.
The proposal would require licensed fuel wholesalers and importers to hold emergency fuel stocks equal to 21 days of supply, while government would maintain strategic reserves equivalent to 60 days of net fuel imports, increasing to 90 days over time.
The move comes as South Africa relies increasingly on imported fuel following the closure of several domestic refineries.
Official prices due soon
Although petrol motorists remain on track for another small reduction, the big story heading into August is the sharp increase facing diesel users.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to announce the official fuel price adjustments at the end of July, with the new prices taking effect from Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
Until then, any further movement in the oil price or the rand could still influence the final adjustments, but for now diesel motorists appear set for another costly month.
Latest numbers
Below, the latest projections for August 2026 as received by The South African website from the Central Energy Fund (CEF):
If the market conditions were to remain consistent for the remainder of the month – an unlikely scenario with the rand/dollar exchange rate fluctuating and the oil price ever changing – a decrease of 26 cents per litre is expected for petrol 93 octane motorists and a decrease of 21 cents as well for 95 users is anticipated.
Meanwhile, diesel motorists would see something between a 127 and 147 cents per litre increase.
Finally, illuminating paraffin is expected to rise by 117 cents in price.
FUEL PRICE IN SOUTH AFRICA IMPACTED BY TWO MAIN FACTORS:
1. The international price of petroleum products, driven mainly by oil prices
2. The rand/dollar exchange rate used in the purchase of these products
Oil priceAt the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $86.93 a barrel.
Exchange rateAt the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R16.75/$