Official figures — October 2026. These are the confirmed prices published by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), effective Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Petrol 93 rose 312 c/l, petrol 95 rose 333 c/l, diesel 500ppm rose 284 c/l, diesel 50ppm rose 324 c/l and illuminating paraffin rose 358 c/l. The previous official prices took effect on 2 September 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

The official fuel prices for November 2026 have not yet been finalized by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR). They will be implemented on the first Wednesday of the month, Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

Daily tracking data will give an indication of where prices are heading as the month progresses. The October prices only took effect on 7 October 2026, so there is not yet enough data for a reliable projection.

Expected Petrol, Diesel, and Paraffin Movement

Fuel adjustments are calculated using a rolling daily average across the entire review period. Early in the period that average can swing sharply from day to day, so early projections are unreliable.

The table below will show the expected retail pump changes for petrol and wholesale changes for diesel once enough CEF data is available:

Fuel TypeExpected MovementEstimated Change (c/l)Estimated Change (R/l)
93 Unleaded Petrol (Retail)Not yet available––
95 Unleaded Petrol (Retail)Not yet available––
0.05% Diesel (Wholesale)Not yet available––
0.005% Diesel (Wholesale)Not yet available––
Illuminating Paraffin (Wholesale)Not yet available––

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

Over the last review period the average Brent Crude oil price rose from about $88 to $101 per barrel, amid continued US–Iran tension and uncertainty over oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Where crude trades over the coming weeks will largely determine the November 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 was almost unchanged over the last review period, averaging about R16.21 per USD, so it neither added to nor offset the October increase.

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 R30.25/l down to approximately R25.07/l.
  • Coastal Regions: 95 Petrol is expected to drop from R29.38/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: 7 October 2026
  • Inland 95 Petrol Retail: R30.25 per litre
  • Inland 93 Petrol Retail: R29.88 per litre
  • Coastal 95 Petrol Retail: R29.38 per litre
  • Coastal 93 Petrol Retail: R29.01 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 this 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: -196 c/l (Petrol) | -359 c/l (Diesel)
  • August: -52 c/l (Petrol) | +123 c/l (Diesel)
  • September: +134 c/l (Petrol) | +315 c/l (Diesel)
  • October (Official): +333 c/l (Petrol) | +324 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.

Related guides: Biggest Petrol Price Increase South Africa, Highest Petrol Price South Africa, Petrol Price Inflation South Africa and What Is Fuel Under Recovery.

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?

It is too early in the review period to say which way prices will move on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. Check back from mid-month, when CEF data gives a clearer indication, before deciding whether to fill up early.

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