Petrol price relief on the cards for South Africa

After Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the government is forgoing R10 billion in revenue to implement petrol and diesel price relief, both fuel types will likely be cheaper from next month.

While National Treasury has approved the relief, global conflicts are still ongoing and affecting local fuel price recoveries, as seen in the latest Central Energy Fund (CEF) data.

According to the CEF, which will return funds collected from various fuel levies to the National Revenue Fund (NRF), petrol is showing an under-recovery of between R1.37 per litre and R1.46 per litre.

At the same time, diesel is showing under-recoveries of between R1.24 per litre and R1.27 per litre, meaning both fuel types would be in line for increases at the start of next month if it weren’t for the temporary relief.

While delivering the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, Godongwana announced that the government will implement this relief in two distinct phases, starting next month.

Between 4 November and 1 December 2026, the diesel levy will be reduced by R3.00 per litre, and the petrol levy reduced by R1.50 per litre.

Considering the relief alongside the CEF’s latest fuel price adjustment predictions as of 22 October 2026, next month’s fuel prices could be adjusted as follows:

• Petrol 93 – decrease of R0.04 per litre
• Petrol 95 – decrease of R0.13 per litre
• Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) – decrease of R1.73 per litre
• Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) – decrease of R1.76 per litre

While the official announcement from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) is still several weeks away, petrol and diesel prices have been trending in the right direction.

As a result, reductions can be expected across the board, though this is not guaranteed, as geopolitical instability and global Brent crude oil prices could still take a turn for the worse before the adjustment.

That said, below is a look at how current factors affect next month’s possible adjustments at inland forecourts:

Petrol and diesel price relief welcomed

The South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA) welcomed the temporary fuel levy relief announced in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.

It said that it offers timely support to motorists, households and businesses as the festive season approaches.

“The timing is especially welcome as families prepare for holiday travel and businesses plan for the busy year-end period,” said SAPRA.

“Against a backdrop of elevated global oil prices linked to conflict in the Middle East, the government’s intervention will help ease pressure on household and business budgets.”

The association added that fuel keeps South Africa’s economy moving, helping people get to work and visit loved ones, put food on shelves, and power farms, factories and small businesses.

Lower petrol and diesel prices are therefore expected to bring wider benefits across the economy, particularly during the coming period of increased travel and spending.

“Motorists will pay less at the pump during the relief period, leaving more room in household budgets for festive-season travel and other priorities,” said SAPRA.

“Because the relief steps down on 1 December and ends on 5 January, consumers are encouraged to keep these dates in mind when planning their journeys and expenses.”

Henry van der Merwe, SAPRA National Chairperson, said the association welcomes this relief for consumers across South Africa, particularly with the festive season around the corner.