Official figures — September 2026. These are the confirmed prices published by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), effective Wednesday, 2 September 2026. Petrol 93 and 95 both rose 134 c/l, diesel 500ppm rose 294 c/l, diesel 50ppm rose 315 c/l and illuminating paraffin rose 213 c/l. The previous official prices took effect on 5 August 2026.
The cost of fuel is a major driver of monthly budgeting for South African motorists and logistics companies alike. Tracking whether we face a petrol price increase next month allows you to make informed decisions before hitting the pumps.
Because official adjustments only happen once a month, monitoring the daily indicators helps you stay ahead of the curve.Below is the latest view of expected fuel price movements, what is driving the market, and how these changes will impact your wallet.
Petrol Price Increase Next Month: Latest View
Confirmed vs. Forecast Movement
As of late September 2026, the official fuel prices for next month have not yet been finalized by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR). The official prices will be implemented on the first Wednesday of the month, Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
However, daily tracking data gives us a strong indication of where prices are heading. Current projections show a mixed reality: petrol is on track for another price decrease, while diesel is fluctuating sharply and hovering close to a minor increase or small flatline due to late-month market volatility.
- Current Status: Forecast phase (Unofficial).
- Next Official Effective Date: Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
- Data Baseline: Central Energy Fund (CEF) daily over-/under-recovery tracking.
Expected Petrol, Diesel, and Paraffin Movement
Fuel adjustments are calculated using a rolling daily average across the entire month. While a massive price drop was initially predicted at the start of July, a sudden spike in global oil prices has actively eroded that cushion.
The table below shows the expected retail pump changes for petrol and wholesale changes for diesel based on the latest CEF data:
| Fuel Type | Expected Movement | Estimated Change (c/l) | Estimated Change (R/l) |
| 93 Unleaded Petrol (Retail) | Expected Decrease | ~107 c/l drop | ~R1.07 drop |
| 95 Unleaded Petrol (Retail) | Expected Decrease | ~103 c/l drop | ~R1.03 drop |
| 0.05% Diesel (Wholesale) | Flat / Marginal Increase | ~1 c/l hike | ~R0.01 hike |
| 0.005% Diesel (Wholesale) | Expected Decrease | ~24 c/l drop | ~R0.24 drop |
| Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale) | Expected Decrease | ~22 c/l drop | ~R0.22 drop |
Commercial Fleet Note: Diesel prices listed above represent wholesale changes. Retail pricing at service stations for diesel is unregulated, meaning actual savings or increases at the pump will vary depending on your local station’s commercial margins.
What is Driving the Change?
South Africa’s fuel prices are governed by the Basic Fuel Price (BFP) framework, which is primarily influenced by two international variables:
1. Global Crude Oil Price Volatility
Earlier in the cycle, a temporary truce in the Middle East saw Brent Crude oil prices drop toward $72 per barrel. However, the subsequent breakdown of negotiations and renewed conflict caused oil to surge back past the $80 to $85 per barrelmark. This sudden spike has drastically reduced the over-recovery cushion built up early in the month, turning what could have been a R2.00+ cut into a much more modest adjustment.
2. The Rand/US Dollar Exchange Rate
Because international petroleum products are purchased in US dollars, the strength of the local currency plays a vital role.The South African Rand has remained relatively resilient, trading in a band of R16.30 to R16.50 per USD. While it hasn’t provided an extra massive boost, the stable Rand is helping keep the fuel price from swinging further into negative territory.
3. The Full Reinstatement of Fuel Levies
It is crucial to remember that the temporary fuel tax relief previously offered by the National Treasury has fully phased out. The General Fuel Levy sits at its full rate (R4.29/l for petrol and R4.16/l for diesel), exposing local motorists directly to international market shocks without a government buffer.
Inland vs. Coastal Impact
South Africa is divided into distinct fuel pricing zones. Because of the cost of piping and transporting fuel from coastal ports to the interior, inland prices are consistently higher than coastal prices.
If the current forecast holds, here is a comparison of how the projected changes will look across regions:
- Inland (Gauteng Baseline): 95 Petrol is expected to decrease from its current price of R26.92/l down to approximately R25.07/l.
- Coastal Regions: 95 Petrol is expected to drop from R26.05/l down to roughly R24.20/l.
When evaluating your local prices, always ensure you are comparing the correct grade (93 Unleaded vs. 95 Unleaded) and your specific magisterial zone.
Latest Official Fuel-Price Update
To see exactly what you are paying right now before next month’s changes take effect, refer to the current official prices mandated by the DMPR:
- Official Effective Date: 2 September 2026
- Inland 95 Petrol Retail: R26.92 per litre
- Inland 93 Petrol Retail: R26.76 per litre
- Coastal 95 Petrol Retail: R26.05 per litre
- Coastal 93 Petrol Retail: R25.97 per litre
To verify your current daily commuting or logistical costs against these live figures, you can use our calculate fuel costtool.
Previous Monthly Changes
The fuel market has been highly erratic over the first half of the year, driven heavily by global geopolitical tensions.Reviewing the previous months highlights how quickly the momentum can shift:
- March: +20 c/l (Petrol) | +65 c/l (Diesel)
- April: +306 c/l (Petrol) | +751 c/l (Diesel)
- May: +327 c/l (Petrol) | +527 c/l (Diesel)
- June: +143 c/l (Petrol) | -262 c/l (Diesel)
- July (Official): -196 c/l (Petrol) | -359 c/l (Diesel)
Note on Calculations: Past trends are useful for understanding market direction, but personal budgeting calculations should always be treated as estimates. Variables like vehicle health, traffic conditions, and driving habits will alter your actual monthly consumption.
Methodology and Disclaimer
The forecast data displayed on this page is compiled utilizing daily Basic Fuel Price (BFP) data updates provided by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). These figures represent the over- or under-recovery metrics compiled throughout the current monthly review cycle.
Official monthly fuel adjustments are determined exclusively by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and are typically released data-verified a few days prior to the first Wednesday of the new month.
This page serves an informational purpose. Forecasts can change rapidly due to daily trading fluctuations and should not be treated as a final, guaranteed pump price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the petrol price increase next month confirmed yet?
No. Daily CEF over- and under-recovery indicators are strictly market forecasts. The price is only official once the DMPR publishes the finalized adjustment schedule, usually a few days before the start of the new month.
What data determines the petrol price increase next month?
The forecast relies on daily tracking of the Basic Fuel Price (BFP), which calculates the average costs of importing refined petroleum products into South Africa, heavily weighed against global Brent Crude oil prices and the USD/ZAR exchange rate.
Should I fill up my tank before the end of the month?
Since petrol is currently tracking towards a decrease, holding off on filling your tank until the official change on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, might save you money. Conversely, if you drive a diesel vehicle utilizing 0.05% diesel, prices are flatlining and could see a marginal increase, making an early fill-up more practical. Use our should I fill up before petrol price increase calculator to check your specific vehicle savings.
Related Fuel Tools & Updates
- Fuel Price South Africa Hub — Main commercial hub for national fuel breakdowns.
- Petrol Price Today — View the live regulated rates at pump stations across all zones.
- Fuel Price Updates Archive — Historical database tracking years of local fuel price shifts.