New petrol price means pain for South African motorists

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has published the official fuel price adjustments that will take effect on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

It showed that petrol prices will increase by between R3.12 and R3.33 per litre and diesel by between R2.84 and R3.24 per litre.

Both fuel types have hit new record highs for the second time this year, with petrol breaking the R30-per-litre mark.

These big petrol and diesel price increases were expected due to the war in Iran, which pushed oil prices over $100 a barrel.

The rand also weakened to R16.70 per US Dollar in the latest period of global financial market risk-off, much weaker than the R15.90 in early September.

The combination of high oil prices and a weak rand resulted in steep under-recoveries for petrol and diesel.

This under-recovery is now being passed on to consumers in the form of higher retail prices for diesel and petrol.

• The price of Petrol 93 will increase by R3.12 per litre
• The price of Petrol 95 will increase by R3.33 per litre
• The price of Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) will increase by R2.84 per litre
• The price of Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) will increase by R3.24 per litre

These significant petrol price increases mean motorists will now pay between R29.88 and R30.25 per litre.

When it comes to diesel, the wholesale price will increase by between R31.95 and R33.29 per litre.

The tables below show the official petrol and diesel prices, which will become effective on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.