South African motorists will face mixed fortunes at the pumps from Wednesday, 3 June 2026, following the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
While diesel users will benefit from substantial price reductions, petrol motorists will pay more after government partially withdrew fuel levy relief measures introduced earlier this year.
The department confirmed that both grades of petrol will increase by R1.43 per litre. Diesel prices, however, will decrease by between R2.62 and R3.25 per litre, depending on the grade.
Other fuel products will also become cheaper. The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will decrease by R5.96 per litre, while the maximum retail price of LPGAS will drop by 17 cents per kilogram in Gauteng.
The latest adjustments come despite improved fuel price recoveries during May, driven by relatively stable international oil prices and a stronger rand.
According to the department, the average Brent crude oil price rose from US$101 to US$104.59 per barrel during the review period, largely due to continued tensions between the United States and Iran and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
However, international refined fuel prices declined, particularly for diesel and paraffin, as seasonal demand eased in the northern hemisphere heading into summer.
The rand also strengthened slightly against the US dollar, appreciating from an average of R16.65 to R16.52 per dollar, helping to offset some of the pressure from higher oil prices.
Under normal circumstances, these factors would have resulted in fuel price reductions across the board. However, the National Treasury's decision to reduce fuel levy relief significantly altered the outcome.
In line with an announcement by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, the fuel levy relief was reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel.
The department also announced an increase in the slate levy, which is used to recover under-recoveries in fuel pricing. The levy has increased from 122.70 cents per litre to 157.74 cents per litre, following a cumulative negative slate balance of R18.28 billion recorded at the end of April.
Fuel Price Adjustments Effective 3 June 2026
- Petrol 93: Increase of R1.43 per litre
- Petrol 95: Increase of R1.43 per litre
- Diesel 0.05% (wholesale): Decrease of R3.25 per litre
- Diesel 0.005% (wholesale): Decrease of R2.62 per litre
- Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Decrease of R5.96 per litre
- LPGAS (Gauteng): Decrease of 17 cents per kilogram
The official inland pump prices will see 93-octane petrol rise from R26.52 to R27.95 per litre, while 95-octane petrol will increase from R26.63 to R28.06 per litre.
Coastal motorists will pay R27.16 per litre for 93-octane petrol and R27.19 per litre for 95-octane petrol.
Diesel users are expected to benefit from some of the largest fuel price cuts in recent months, providing relief to transport operators, businesses and consumers affected by high fuel costs.
The revised fuel prices come into effect at midnight on Wednesday and will remain in place until the next monthly adjustment.