Petrol 95 Could Rise by R1.72 a Litre as South Africa Faces Another Fuel Price Hike

South African motorists are facing the prospect of another painful fuel price increase in November, with preliminary figures pointing to higher petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin costs.

According to The Citizen News on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) indicate that petrol prices could increase by nearly R2 per litre if current trends continue.

The warning comes after motorists were hit by record fuel prices in October, when inland petrol 95 climbed above R30 per litre for the first time.

The latest CEF figures show an under-recovery of R1.67 per litre for petrol 93 and R1.72 for petrol 95. These figures indicate the pressure on the fuel pricing system and suggest that another increase could be on the way.

If the projections hold, drivers could face another significant increase when the next monthly adjustment takes effect on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

For motorists who already spend a substantial portion of their income on fuel, even a modest increase can make daily commuting more expensive.

However, the figures are not final prices. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is expected to confirm the official adjustment closer to the implementation date.

Diesel users are also facing potential increases.

The CEF data indicate under-recoveries of R1.23 per litre for 0.05% sulphur diesel and R1.24 for 0.005% sulphur diesel.

Illuminating paraffin is showing an even larger under-recovery of R3.01 per litre, potentially adding further pressure for households that rely on it for heating or cooking.

These figures remain projections and may change before the official announcement.

The pressure on fuel prices comes amid rising international oil costs, a weaker rand and continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

South Africa imports crude oil and finished petroleum products, leaving local prices exposed to global market movements and the exchange rate.

When international fuel prices rise or the rand weakens against the US dollar, the cost of importing petroleum products can increase.

Higher fuel costs can also affect transport operators and businesses that depend on road deliveries, potentially adding pressure to the prices consumers pay for goods and services.

South Africa’s October prices already reached record levels. Inland motorists currently pay R29.88 per litre for petrol 93 and R30.25 for petrol 95, following the adjustment that took effect on October 7.

If the latest under-recovery figures translate into comparable increases, motorists could face further pressure at the pumps in November. The final amounts will depend on the official monthly adjustment.

Source: https://x.com/TheCitizen_News/status/2112823745756660193

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