POLOKWANE – The numbers don’t lie; it’s been a year of whiplash 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.

Now, as September looms, the numbers reflect a year defined by volatility and a relentless squeeze on household budgets.

Month by month: The 2026 fuel price rollercoaster

Here is how petrol 93 and diesel 0.005% have moved throughout the year, with September’s projected increases based on current under-recoveries:

From hope to despair, and back again

January brought genuine relief. Petrol 93 dropped to R19.99 per litre in February, the lowest price in nearly four years. The decrease was driven by a stronger rand and lower international product prices.

Then came the war between the United States and Iran. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil flows, sent shockwaves through energy markets.

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By May, motorists were paying the highest petrol price on record for inland 93-octane. The total increase from February to May presented a staggering R6.53 per litre increase for petrol and R14.35 for diesel.

A US-Iran ceasefire signed in June sent oil prices tumbling, and July brought significant cuts. August offered a modest 13-cent decrease for petrol, though diesel increased by R1.23.

But the relief has been short-lived.

September looms

Renewed geopolitical tensions have pushed the numbers back up, and mid-month projections point to another round of increases.

READ MORE: Fuel price pain returns as September increases loom

What this means for you right now

For a standard 45L petrol car, the cumulative increase since January means a full tank now costs around R245 more than it did at the start of the year.

Diesel users have been hit even harder. The cumulative increase in diesel prices means that a 100L fill-up costs more than R1 100 more than it did in January.