South African motorists and businesses are bracing for a significant fuel price hike taking effect on Wednesday, 6 May, following the latest adjustment announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources which will see the price of diesel surging past the R35 per litre mark.

• Petrol (93 & 95 ULP and LRP): increase of 327.00 cents per litre

• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): increase of 618.77 cents per litre (wholesale)

• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): increase of 618.77 cents per litre (wholesale)

• Illuminating paraffin (wholesale): increase of 422.00 cents per litre

• Illuminating paraffin (SMNRP): increase of 563.00 cents per litre

• LPG: increase of 507.00 cents per kilogram

Echoing the sentiments expressed this week, Henry van der Merwe, Chairman of the South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA) says these increases are deeply concerning.

“A petrol increase of over R3 per litre and diesel rising by more than R6 per litre is not just a shock at the pump – it drives up transport costs, food prices and ultimately the cost of living for all South Africans.”

Van der Merwe says the adjustment is largely driven by a sharp increase in global oil prices during the review period, compounded by ongoing geopolitical tensions which continue to disrupt supply chains and elevate risk premiums in international markets.

“While the rand has shown relative stability, it has not been enough to offset the surge in international product prices. The reality is that South Africa remains highly exposed to global oil market volatility, and consumers are now paying the price,” he adds.

The knock-on effects are expected to be widespread, placing additional strain on already pressured households and businesses, particularly in transport, logistics, agriculture and small enterprise sectors.

Van der Merwe notes that while the temporary fuel levy relief provides some cushioning, it is unlikely to fully absorb the scale of the increases. This relief is also temporary. 

From 1 July onwards, the general fuel levy for petrol will return to R4.10 per litre and the general fuel levy for diesel will return to R3.93 per litre.

“Even with intervention on the levy side, the magnitude of these adjustments means inflationary pressures will intensify. This raises concerns not only for consumers but also for the broader economic outlook, including the potential for further interest rate pressure in the months ahead,” he says.

SAPRA has urged motorists to plan ahead where possible and for government to continue exploring mechanisms to mitigate extreme price shocks in a highly volatile global environment.

“The current situation underscores the urgent need for longer-term solutions to enhance energy resilience and reduce South Africa’s vulnerability to external shocks,” concludes Van der Merwe.