By Mapaballo Borotho
- South African motorists may finally see some relief at the pumps in June after months of steep fuel price hikes.
- Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund points to only small petrol increases, while diesel prices could decrease significantly.
- The expected relief follows major fuel price spikes in April and May driven by global oil market instability and geopolitical tensions.
Fuel prices have become one of the biggest financial pressures facing South Africans, affecting not only motorists but consumers across the economy.
South Africa has continued to experience rising fuel prices amid ongoing tensions involving the Middle East and the United States.
This month, motorists felt a major blow at the pumps as fuel prices recorded their biggest increase since 2020, with petrol rising by R3.27 per litre and diesel climbing by more than R6 per litre.
However, June could bring some relief for motorists after months of steep fuel price hikes, with the latest mid-month data pointing to significantly lower diesel prices and only modest petrol increases.
Figures from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) suggest fuel recoveries have stabilised compared to the extreme volatility seen in April and May, when geopolitical tensions and soaring oil prices triggered some of the steepest increases in years.
If current trends continue through to the end of the month, petrol users could see only slight increases in June:
- Petrol 93: expected increase of around 11 cents per litre
- Petrol 95: expected increase of around 17 cents per litre
While prices are still expected to rise, the increases are far smaller than those seen in recent months and reflect improving stability in global fuel markets.
Diesel users are expected to benefit the most if current recoveries hold.
Current projections indicate:
- Diesel 0.05%: over-recovery of approximately R3.56 per litre
- Diesel 0.005%: over-recovery of approximately R4.56 per litre
- Illuminating paraffin: expected decrease of about R4.55 per litre
The possible decreases come after diesel prices surged by nearly R13 per litre over April and May due to elevated global oil prices and supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
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