Petrol and diesel prices have experienced a massive turnaround, with the latest projections hinting at reduction in the cost of both fuels next month.
This is according to the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), which indicates that motorists will finally see some relief at the pumps this June.
As of 28 May 2026, petrol is showing an over-recovery of between 20c and 23c per litre, while diesel is set for a massive over-recovery of between R4.62 and R5.29 per litre.
These are the CEF’s fuel price adjustment predictions for the fourth week of May:
- Petrol 93 – decrease of 23 cents per litre
- Petrol 95 – decrease of 20 cents per litre
- Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) – decrease of R5.29 per litre
- Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) – decrease of R4.62 per litre
This is a remarkable recovery for fuel prices, as earlier this month, petrol was expected to increase by 84c per litre.
Diesel was thankfully already in the green with an over-recovery of 166c per litre, but the fuel’s price has been on a downward trajectory for the last two weeks.
This positive turn is largely thanks to the international price of Brent crude oil, which has dropped from $101 per barrel to $89 as of the time of writing.
At the same time, the rand strengthened against the US dollar during the period under review, dropping from R16.52 to R16.28 per USD.
Not as good as it sounds
Unfortunately, while the basic fuel price of petrol and diesel is set to decrease next month, the gains at the pump will be undermined by the return of the General Fuel Levy (GFL).
The government reduced the GFL by R3 per litre in April 2026 as an emergency relief measure for consumers.
The reduction was extended to May, and diesel even benefitted from a larger reduction of R3.93 per litre.
However, the National Treasury plans to reintroduce half of the 50% of the GFL this June.
This means that R1.50 and R1.97 will be added to the prices of petrol and diesel, respectively, next month. The other 50% of the GFL will be re-added in July.
In other words, the fuel price itself may decrease, but motorists will still pay more for petrol because of taxes.
The following table shows how fuel prices will be affected in June once the General Fuel Levy is factored in:
| June predictions | Recoveries at end of 4th week of May | Fuel tax added back in June | Final projected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | – R0.23 | + R1.50 | + R1.27 |
| Petrol 95 | – R0.20 | + R1.50 | + R1.30 |
| Diesel 0.05% | – R5.29 | + R1.97 | – R3.32 |
| Diesel 0.005% | – R4.62 | + R1.97 | – R2.65 |
The following graphs represent the trajectory of fuel prices over the last month.
Petrol 93 daily projection for June 2026
Petrol 95 daily projection for June 2026
Diesel 0.05% daily projection for June 2026
Diesel 0.005% daily projection for June 2026
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