Fuel prices set for record jump next week: Petrol over R30/litre
· The South African
South Africa’s motorists are facing the prospect of record petrol prices next week, with the latest Central Energy Fund (CEF) data pointing to increases of more than R3 per litre.
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The figures show that 95 unleaded petrol is experiencing an under-recovery of R3.29 per litre, while 93 petrol is sitting at R3.08 per litre.
If the current under-recoveries were carried through in full, the price of 95 petrol would move above R30 per litre in October.
The latest figures represent a further deterioration from earlier September projections as international oil prices and the rand-dollar exchange rate continue to put pressure on South Africa’s fuel-price formula.
However, the CEF figures are projections and do not represent the final pump-price increase.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) will determine the final adjustment, while any change to the fuel-price slate levy could also affect the amount motorists ultimately pay.
October petrol and diesel projections
Based on the latest figures provided, the potential October increases are:
FuelProjected increasePetrol 93R3.08/litrePetrol 95R3.29/litreDiesel 0.05%R2.80/litreDiesel 0.005%R3.19/litreIlluminating paraffinR3.57/litreThe scale of the projected increases would represent another major blow for motorists and households already facing higher transport and living costs.
R30 petrol in sight
The biggest concern for motorists is 95 petrol.
A full R3.29/litre increase would push the inland price comfortably beyond the psychologically important R30/litre mark.
That would represent a new milestone for South Africa’s petrol prices.
The previous record petrol prices were already reached earlier in 2026, with the latest projections now threatening to push pump prices even higher.
The final amount, however, could still change before the official announcement.
Oil and rand driving the pressure
International oil prices remain a major factor behind the latest deterioration.
Brent crude has been trading around the $100-a-barrel level and above, amid continued uncertainty surrounding the conflict involving the US and Iran.
The oil price briefly moved below $100 during the latest trading period before returning above the psychological threshold.
The rand has also weakened against the US dollar, adding further pressure to South Africa’s fuel-price calculations.
The combination of expensive crude oil and a weaker local currency has resulted in rapidly increasing under-recoveries during September.
Diesel facing another record
Petrol is not the only fuel facing a major increase.
The latest figures show an under-recovery of R2.80/litre for 0.05% diesel and R3.19/litre for 0.005% diesel.
That means 0.005% diesel is also potentially heading towards another record price.
Earlier September projections had already pointed to diesel moving beyond the record levels reached in May 2026.
Because diesel is widely used by freight operators, farmers, construction companies and other businesses, a substantial increase could have consequences beyond the forecourt.
Higher diesel costs can feed into the cost of transporting goods and moving products around the country.
When will the October fuel prices be announced?
The official October fuel-price adjustment is expected from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources before the new prices take effect.
The latest reporting confirms that the new prices are scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, 7 October.
Until the official announcement, motorists should remember that the CEF figures are projections rather than guaranteed increases.
Changes in international oil prices, the rand-dollar exchange rate and the fuel-price slate levy can still affect the final calculation.
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 price
At the time of publishing the brent crude oil price is $99.66 a barrel.
Exchange rate
At the time of publishing the rand/dollar exchange rate is R16.70/$.
Current September 2026 and projected October petrol and diesel prices (Inland and Coastal):
INLANDSeptemberOctober *Petrol 93R26.76R29.84Petrol 95R26.92R30.21Diesel 0.05%R29.11R31.91Diesel 0.005%R30.05R33.24Illuminating ParaffinR20.89R24.46 COASTALSeptemberOctober *Petrol 93R25.97R29.05Petrol 95R26.05R29.34Diesel 0.05%R28.24R31.04Diesel 0.005%R28.79R31.98Illuminating ParaffinR19.84R23.41* Projected
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