When is the Next Petrol Price Increase in South Africa?

When is the Next Petrol Price Increase in South Africa?

After a very solid start to 2026 with fuel price drops, South Africa won’t be the only country to experience price hikes over the next month or two for several reasons.

The current conflict in the Middle East has left more questions than answers across several industries and has caused considerable disruption. Additionally, sources note that if a prolonged conflict continues, it will affect oil prices, push up inflation, and slow global economic growth. 

In addition to the uncertainties surrounding warfare, South African industries, businesses, and residents will also have to prepare for a fuel tax hike as early as April 1st.

How Global Conflict Influences Petrol Fuel Prices in South Africa

Since late February 2026, conflict ties between Iran, Israel, and the United States have disrupted a lot more than just flights. And it’s all happening at the world’s most important energy chokepoints: the Strait of Hormuz. 

So, why does this matter?

For starters, 20% of the world’s oil is transported through this route. When conflict began:

• Oil tankers were struck.
• Shipping came to a complete halt. 
• Routes were adjusted or remain closed.

Tense Affairs

The scary part of all of this is that the global oil price surged to $82 per barrel once the attacks began. 

Oil was already trading at $60 per barrel at the beginning of 2026, increasing to $70 per barrel as U.S foreign policy and military presence have brought further tensions in the Middle East.

National Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse stated that we shouldn’t worry, but that the conflict could affect South Africa if it continued. 

What Does it Mean for Petrol Fuel Prices in South Africa?

What was supposed to offer some relief for motorists didn’t last very long. January started off with petrol price drops to a four-year low of R20.64 per litre for unleaded 95. 

That same momentum carried into February, which saw another price drop, this time by 65c to R20.10 per litre. 

March did not see the same drop as petrol increased by 20c per litre and diesel by 65c per litre. 

April doesn’t look to be too exciting at this stage. South Africans can expect to see an unavoidable price hike on the horizon. A high under-recovery could indicate that the market needs to see considerable improvement over the next few weeks to avoid falling into the red. 

According to the Central Energy Fund, prices show an under-recovery of up to R2.40 per litre for petrol and R4.50 for diesel.

Here are the expected levels for mid-month as reported by Business Tech:

• Petrol 93: R2.28 increase per litre
• Petrol 95: R2.41 increase per litre
• Diesel 0.05%: R4.39 increase per litre
• Diesel 0.005%: R4.50 increase per litre
• Paraffin: R6.60 increase per litre

To add salt to the wound, the Government’s upcoming fuel tax increases (21c per litre) will take effect on 1 April 2026. Not only does this increase affect motorists, but it also affects the freight industry. Essentially, costs that increase throughout the supply chain will drive up prices for all goods and services, and the consequences of that will fall on small businesses and their customers.

What is the Current Price of Petrol and Diesel? 

Based on the Automobile Association of South Africa’s fuel pricing listings, here’s what you’re paying for at the pumps at the moment:

Looking Ahead

While the start of 2026 brought much-needed relief at the pump, we weren’t quite out of the woods. 

Combined with the latest conflict timeline, the local fuel tax increases will certainly add to monthly budget stress. Even if global issues are neutralised at some stage, South Africa will likely see price hikes as outlined by the Central Energy Fund.

However, regardless of today’s current affairs, now would be a good time to start correcting bad driving habits, budgeting wisely, and investing in smart car Service Plans that save you from outright spending. 

Worried about petrol? 

The good news is that there is a way save money on fuel costs; it’s just about applying the right tips and tricks.

To save more than just your money, keeping your vehicle in shape for years is pretty important. It’s never too late to find out why regular maintenance matters, especially in South Africa.