Fuel prices rise from 4 March as global oil volatility and exchange rate movements push petrol and diesel costs higher across South Africa. Picture Credit: Adobe Stock
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has confirmed the latest official fuel price adjustments, which come into effect on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, with petrol, diesel and paraffin all set to increase.
The adjustments follow a volatile February in global oil markets. International crude prices traded higher amid renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including escalations between the United States and Iran. During the month, oil prices rose sharply from below $60 a barrel to above $80, with much of the increase occurring toward the end of the review period.
While the rand strengthened against the US dollar during the same period, this was not sufficient to offset the impact of higher international product prices.
Official Fuel Price Adjustments (Effective 4 March 2026)
| Fuel Type | Change |
|---|---|
| Petrol 93 | Increase of 20 cents per litre |
| Petrol 95 | Increase of 20 cents per litre |
| Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) | Increase of 62 cents per litre |
| Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) | Increase of 65 cents per litre |
| Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) | Increase of 44 cents per litre |
| LPGAS (Gauteng) | Increase of 23 cents per kg |
Average international prices for petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin rose during the review period.
The rand appreciated on average against the US dollar, with the exchange rate strengthening to R15.9959 compared to R16.3054 in the previous cycle. This resulted in a lower contribution to the Basic Fuel Price of 16.959 cents per litre for petrol, 19.200 cents per litre for diesel and 19.207 cents per litre for illuminating paraffin.
In line with the Self-Adjusting Slate Levy Mechanism, the Slate Levy on petrol and diesel will remain unchanged at 0.00 cents per litre from 4 March 2026.
The maximum refinery gate price for LPGAS will be R11,470.61 per metric ton (636.619 cents per litre), excluding VAT, for the period 4 March to 31 March 2026 — translating to a 23 cents per kilogram increase.
For LPGAS imported through the Port of Saldanha Bay, the maximum refinery gate price will be R13,076.49 per metric ton (725.745 cents per litre), reflecting a 26 cents per kilogram increase.
Inland Fuel Prices
| Fuel Type | February Official | March Official |
|---|---|---|
| 93 Petrol | R19.99 | R20.19 |
| 95 Petrol | R20.10 | R20.30 |
| Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) | R17.91 | R18.53 |
| Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) | R17.95 | R18.60 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R12.10 | R12.54 |
| LPGAS (per kg) | R34.74 | R34.97 |
Coastal Fuel Prices
| Fuel Type | February Official | March Official |
|---|---|---|
| 93 Petrol | R19.20 | R19.40 |
| 95 Petrol | R19.27 | R19.47 |
| Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) | R17.08 | R17.70 |
| Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) | R17.19 | R17.84 |
| Illuminating Paraffin | R11.08 | R11.52 |
| LPGAS (per kg) | R31.48 | R31.72 |
| LPGAS (Saldanha)* | R33.58 | R33.84 |
*Increase of 26 cents per kg.
The new prices take effect nationwide from Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
