Record fuel prices expected in October
Motorists are bracing for another potential fuel price hike next month due to ongoing global conflict and rising international product prices.
Just weeks after motorists absorbed the last round of increases, another devastating blow is on the horizon, reports Polokwane Review.
Early data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) points to October fuel prices that could shatter all previous records, pushing petrol above R29 per litre inland and diesel past R32.
If current market conditions hold, the increases would represent the largest monthly hike since the US-Iran war began cascading increases in April and May.
What you could pay from October
Based on early September data from the CEF, motorists face the following projected increases:
| Fuel Type | Projected Increase | Expected October Price |
| Petrol 93 | + R1.81 to R1.87 | Around R28.63 per litre |
| Petrol 95 | + R1.93 to R1.99 | Around R28.91 per litre |
| Diesel 0.05% | + R1.73 to R2.16 | Around R31.27 per litre |
| Diesel 0.005% | + R2.03 to R2.41 | Around R32.46 per litre |
The October price for 95 petrol would eclipse the June record of R28.06, which was set during the height of the Iran war shock. Diesel would also surpass its May peak of R31.88, marking a grim new milestone.
Why prices are surging
Two forces are driving the expected hikes:
Global conflict: The US-Iran war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continue to choke energy markets. Prices have risen sharply since the collapse of the interim peace agreement in June, with neither side showing willingness to return to negotiations.
Rising international product prices: Supply shortages linked to the ongoing conflicts have driven up the international prices of refined petrol and diesel. The cost of South Africa’s fuel imports has increased by an additional R56 billion since February.
A slightly stronger rand, trading close to R16 to the US dollar, has provided some cushion but has not been enough to offset the oil price shock.
How this affects your next fill-up
October’s projected increases mark the latest chapter in a year of extreme volatility at the pumps.
At the start of 2026, motorists were celebrating the lowest petrol price in nearly four years. By June, they were paying the highest price on record. September’s increases added R1.34 to petrol and R3.15 to diesel. Now, October threatens to push prices into uncharted territory.
The cumulative increase for a standard 45L petrol car since January would exceed R300 by October.
Diesel users would face an even heavier burden, with a 100L fill-up costing more than R1 400 above January levels.
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