Fuel Tax Relief: How Much South Africans Could Pay for Petrol and Diesel in November

South Africans received some welcome news this week as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced temporary fuel tax cuts that will take effect from 4 November.

During the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, Godongwana said the General Fuel Levy would be temporarily reduced. The cuts amount to R3 per litre for diesel and R1.50 per litre for petrol from 4 November until 1 December. After that, the reductions will drop to R1.50 for diesel and R1 for petrol until 5 January 2027.

The impact on pump prices will depend on international oil prices, which remain volatile. Latest data from the Central Energy Fund shows accumulated under-recoveries of between R1.37 and R1.46 for petrol, although a small over-recovery has emerged in recent days. If this trend continues, the underlying increase could fall below R1 per litre, potentially resulting in a net price decrease of 50 cents or more once the tax relief is factored in.

Diesel projections currently point to a possible increase of around R1.25 per litre, though this could rise slightly by month-end. Even so, diesel motorists could still see a net price cut of R1.50 or more per litre after the levy reduction.

If these projections hold, petrol prices in November could range between R28.88 and R29.75 per litre, while diesel wholesale prices may fall between R29.58 and R31.30 per litre, depending on the grade and location.

Despite the relief, fuel remains expensive. A litre of 95 Unleaded currently costs R29.38 at the coast and R30.25 in Gauteng — about R8.80 more than a year ago. A 40-litre tank now costs roughly R350 more than it did last year. Diesel prices have also hit record levels, with a 70-litre refill now costing around R880 more than a year ago.

The National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) welcomed the temporary relief but stressed the need for lasting improvements in household affordability. NADA chairperson Brandon Cohen said fuel costs affect household budgets, business expenses and the wider economy, and that sustained relief requires stronger incomes and employment growth.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) also welcomed the announcement and assured commuters there would be no immediate fuel-related fare increases while the industry continues to engage government on longer-term measures.

https://iol.co.za/business/economy/2026-10-22-fuel-tax-relief-how-much-south-africans-could-pay-for-petrol-and-diesel-in-november/

IOL – Fuel tax relief: How much South Africans could pay for petrol and diesel in November (Jason Woosey)

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