Motorists will pay 52 cents less per litre for both grades of petrol from Wednesday, 5 August 2026. However, diesel users face a sharp increase, with wholesale prices rising by R1.23 or R1.38 per litre, depending on the fuel’s sulphur content.
The latest South Africa fuel prices reflect a sharp cut in the slate levy, which helped offset pressure from international fuel markets. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced the final adjustments on Monday, 3 August.
South Africa Fuel Prices Change from Wednesday
Petrol 93 and 95 will both fall by 52 cents per litre. As a result, 95-octane petrol will cost R25.58 per litre in Gauteng and R24.71 at the coast.
Diesel with 0.005% sulphur will rise by R1.23 per litre. Meanwhile, 0.05% sulphur diesel will increase by R1.38 per litre. The wholesale price of the latter will reach about R26.17 in Gauteng and R25.30 at the coast.
The August 2026 South Africa fuel prices also include increases for illuminating paraffin. Its wholesale price will rise by R1.52 per litre, while the single maximum national retail price will increase by R2.03 per litre. The maximum retail price of LPG will fall by R4.41 per kilogram.
Slate Levy Cut Limits the Increases
The department reduced the slate levy from 113.94 cents to 61.38 cents per litre. Therefore, the levy fell by 52.56 cents in both the petrol and diesel price structures.
The slate account manages the gap between regulated fuel prices and the cost of importing or producing fuel. A levy becomes payable when the account falls more than R500 million into the red. The August reduction gave the government room to soften the final adjustment.
News24 reported that the average Brent crude oil price during the review period fell to $82.37 a barrel from $86.54. However, oil prices rose during July as conflict in the Middle East intensified.
Department Explains Diesel Increase
Department spokesperson Robert Maake said: “The average Brent crude oil price decreased during the period under review.”
However, the department said diesel and paraffin product prices increased because of supply shortages linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Russian export restrictions. It also noted that the rand weakened slightly against the US dollar.
Petrol prices are regulated at the pump. By contrast, the government publishes a wholesale list price for diesel, while retailers determine the final pump price. Therefore, motorists may see different diesel prices between filling stations.
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