The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has announced fuel price increases for March, citing a combination of rising international oil prices, higher shipping costs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
The adjustments will take effect from 4 March 2026 and are expected to place additional pressure on motorists and households already grappling with elevated living costs.
According to the department, global market conditions including escalating tensions involving the United States and other regions have contributed to increased freight and shipping rates, while the average crude oil price climbed from $64.08 to $69.08 per barrel.
International petroleum product prices have followed the upward trend in crude oil, pushing up the basic fuel price for petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin.
As a result, the following increases will apply:
- Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): up by 20 cents per litre
- Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): up by 20 cents per litre
- Diesel (0.05% sulphur): up by 62 cents per litre
- Diesel (0.005% sulphur): up by 65 cents per litre
- Wholesale illuminating paraffin: up by 45 cents per litre
- SMNRP for illuminating paraffin: up by 58 cents per litre
- Maximum retail price of LP gas: up by 23 cents per kilogram, and 26 cents per kilogram in the Western Cape
The department said these increases reflect higher contributions to the basic fuel price structure, with diesel and paraffin experiencing some of the steepest adjustments.
The latest hike means consumers will once again feel the pinch at the pumps, a reminder that when global oil markets sneeze, local wallets tend to catch the cold.