Motorists could face another significant increase in fuel prices in October, with rising international oil prices and a weaker rand putting pressure on the cost of petrol and diesel.
Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund points to a potential petrol price increase of around R2.29 a litre.
If the increase is implemented, inland petrol prices could climb above R29 a litre.
The projected increase has been driven largely by higher global oil prices and a weaker rand against the US dollar.
Brent crude is currently trading above $108 a barrel, while the rand is hovering around R16.25 to the dollar.
Diesel prices are also expected to come under pressure, with wholesale prices projected to increase by more than R2 a litre.
The potential fuel price hikes are likely to add further pressure to already strained household budgets, with calls growing for government to provide relief to motorists.
However, National Treasury says any intervention to cushion consumers from rising fuel costs would need to be carefully balanced against other government spending priorities.
The final fuel price adjustment for October will depend on movements in international oil prices and the rand, as well as other factors considered in the monthly pricing mechanism.