Temporary relief measures on course to alleviate fuel price surge
Fuel prices surge in April 2026 as government introduces temporary relief measures to ease pressure on South African motorists and households.
IN the midst of the raging conflict in the Middle East, domestic fuel prices have taken a drastic increase at the beginning of April, yielding constraints for motorists, businesses, and households.
In an effort to mitigate the burden, the Ministers of Finance Enoch Godongwana and of Energy and Petroleum Gwede Mantashe announced short-term relief measures.
Recent data from the Central Energy Fund Group suggests historically high fuel price increases from April 2026. Consultations have been held between the National Treasury and the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources to explore temporary relief measures, while maintaining a stable and sustainable fuel supply system.
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The agreed approach consists of an immediate intervention for April, and a broader package of measures to support households and key sectors of the economy.
The Treasury proposed, for Phase 1, that the general fuel levy is temporarily reduced by R3 per litre from Wednesday, April 1, 2026 to Tuesday, May 5, 2026. “This will reduce the general fuel levy for petrol from R4.10 per litre to R1.10 per litre and reduce the general fuel levy for diesel from R3.93 per litre to R0.93 per litre for one month. These amounts exclude other levies such as the Road Accident Fund levy and the Carbon Fuel Levy.”
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The Treasury dismissed reports of shortages in the country. “The shortages in certain areas are largely due to localised distribution and logistical challenges driven by panic buying rather than a lack of national fuel stocks and these are expected to self-correct in the next coming days. Motorists and businesses are encouraged to purchase fuel responsibly and avoid unnecessary stockpiling,” Treasury said in a statement.
On Phase 2, Mantashe added, “We will continue work to review fuel pricing over the medium term. Work is underway on a broader package of measures to support households and key sectors of the economy.”
The ministries stated that further details on additional support measures will be announced in due course.
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